Lobbying

Below gives examples of lobbying LifeWise Academy

From 2024-20From 2024 to 2025, LifeWise Academy actively lobbied to change state laws across the country. It successfully influenced legislation in Oklahoma, Indiana, Iowa, Montana, and Texas. In August 2025, LifeWise stated that RTRI legislation was pending in 11 states.

As a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, we believe LifeWise should not be lobbying at this scale. The organization also identifies as a ministry, which adds further concern. This combination increases the level of religious and political entanglement involved.

LifeWise is not only supporting these legislative changes. The organization helped write the language for these bills with assistance from First Liberty. In a public video, LifeWise representatives discuss creating model legislation. They ask the National Association of Christian Lawmakers to adopt it. They also describe which states they plan to target.

This situation reflects exactly what our nation’s founders sought to prevent.

LifeWise is a religious ministry with tax-exempt nonprofit status. The organization has promoted legislation using a template it helped create. These efforts support its growth, funding, and long-term agenda. This raises concerns about freedom from religion in public education.

LifeWise has stated that its goal is to pass laws in every state. These laws would require public schools to accommodate its RTRI program. The organization first targeted states it described internally as “low-hanging fruit.” These included states like Indiana and Ohio, where supportive lawmakers already existed.

In these states, schools were previously allowed to offer RTRI programs. New bills seek to change this language from “may” to “shall.” This shift removes decision-making power from local schools. Choices about students should remain with local communities, not be mandated by the state at a religious organization’s request.

These law changes go beyond limiting local control. LifeWise’s model legislation includes provisions that conflict with past Supreme Court decisions. The language allows LifeWise to hold classes on school property and receive public funds. Another provision gives parents and sponsoring organizations an automatic right to sue school districts. This raises serious legal and governance concerns.

LifeWise’s internal emails show its direct involvement in shaping and promoting these bills. The organization worked closely with lawmakers behind the scenes. It also helped organize and encourage public support. We encourage communities to monitor legislation in their state. Please contact legislators and reach out to us with questions or concerns.