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HB 529 — Moments of Silence in Public Schools
by Rep. Fine and others
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Education Committee (ED)
The bill requires a moment of silence to be set aside for students during each school day. The bill directs the principal of each public school to require teachers in first-period classrooms in all grades to set aside one to two minutes daily for a moment of silence, during which students may not interfere with other students’ participation.
The bill provides that a teacher:
- May not make suggestions as to the nature of any reflection that a student may engage in during the moment of silence.
- Must encourage parents to discuss the moment of silence with their children and to make suggestions as to the best use of this time.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2021.
Vote: Senate 32-6; House 94-24