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CS/HB 1317 Patriotic Organizations
by Choice & Innovation Subcommittee and Rep. Duggan and others (CS/SB 1016 by Education Pre-K -12 Committee and Senators Wright and Collins)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Education Pre-K -12 Committee (ED)
The bill defines the term “patriotic organization” as a youth membership organization serving young people under the age of 21 that is listed in specified sections of Title 36, U.S.C., with an educational purpose that promotes patriotism and civic involvement. The organizations defined in the bill are:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America;
- Boy Scouts of America;
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America;
- Civil Air Patrol;
- Future Farmers of America;
- Girl Scouts of the United States of America;
- Naval Sea Cadets;
- Little League Incorporated; and
- Marine League Corp.
The bill authorizes a school district to:
- Allow a representative of a patriotic organization the opportunity to speak with and distribute informational materials in a classroom setting to students to encourage participation in the patriotic organization and inform students of benefits to the student and the community.
- Provide opportunities for a patriotic organization to have displays at schools within the district to provide opportunities for student recruitment.
The bill requires that if a school district authorizes a representative of a patriotic organization to speak with students the school district must:
- Provide a specific date and time for the patriotic organization to speak to students.
- Notify parents or guardians of each patriotic organization’s expected presentation and the option to withhold consent for their child participating in such presentation.
The bill requires that a school district may not discriminate against a patriotic organization in the use of any school building or property for activities that occur outside of the school day.
Additionally, the bill specifies that a school district that allows a patriotic organization to speak with and distribute informational materials to students or use school buildings or property is not required to provide equal access to an organization that is not designated as a patriotic organization.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2024.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 111-0