Texas has enacted a new classroom display rule that will be part of everyday school life this year: every public K–12 classroom must post the Ten Commandments. Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 10 (S.B. 10) into law on June 21, 2025; it applies beginning with the 2025–26 school year and, unless otherwise specified, takes effect September 1, 2025.
What, exactly, the law requires
Under S.B. 10, each classroom must display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments that is at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall. The poster must include only the specific Ten Commandments text printed in the statute and be legible from anywhere in the room. Districts that don’t already have compliant displays must accept donated posters that meet the law’s requirements, and they may purchase them with district funds if they choose. The law also directs the Texas Attorney General to defend districts that are sued for complying.
How this may affect relocating families
If you’re enrolling children in Texas public schools this fall, you can expect to see the Ten Commandments displayed in classrooms across most districts. Some districts are still working through logistics—sourcing posters, confirming the state-specified wording, and determining whether donations or district purchases will be used—so on-the-ground timing may vary as campuses reopen. Local media have reported questions from educators and administrators about implementation details, even as the effective date nears.
Practical FAQs for newcomers
When does it start?The mandate applies with the 2025–26 school year. The law’s default effective date is September 1, 2025, unless noted otherwise.
What will the poster look like?By law, it must contain only the verbatim text specified in the statute (a KJV-style rendering) and meet the 16″×20″minimum size requirement—no graphics or additional commentary.
For families moving to Texas, S.B. 10 is poised to be a visible part of the school environment this year, even as courtroom challenges continue. The law outlines precise display rules, leans on donations or district purchases to supply posters, and commits state legal support if districts face suits for complying. Relocating parents should monitor their district’s communications in late August and early September for any updates tied to ongoing litigation.