From the ECS State Policy Database Religion

This database is made possible by your state's fiscal support of the Education Commission of the States (ECS). Most entries are legislative, although rules/regulations and executive orders that make substantive changes are included. Every effort is made to collect the latest available version of policies; in some instances, recent changes might not be reflected. For expediency purposes minimal attention has been paid to style (capitalization, punctuation) and format. Please cite use of the database as: Education Commission of the States (ECS) State Policy Database, retrieved [date]. State Status/Date Level Summary IL Signed into law 08/2012 Postsec. Requires that any student who, because of his/her religious beliefs, is unable to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day, be excused from any such examination, study, or work requirement and be provided with a make-up opportunity, provided the make-up opportunity does not create an unreasonable burden on the institution. Requires a student to notify a faculty member well in advance of any anticipated absence or pending conflict between a scheduled class and religious observance. Prohibits certain negative repercussions on a student who avails him/herself of these provisions. Requires a copy of these provisions to be published in each institution of higher learning's course catalog. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/97/PDF/097-1038.pdf Title: S.B. 2949 Source: www.ilga.gov TN Vetoed 05/2012 Postsec. Prohibits state higher education institutions and private institutions receiving more than $24 million in state subsidies from denying equal access or fair opportunity to any student organization on basis of religious content. Provides religious student organizations may determine their leaders and limit participation among non-adherents. http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/107/Bill/SB3597.pdf Title: S.B. 3597 Source: http://www.capitol.tn.gov CA Signed into law 10/2011 Postsec. Defines "undue hardship" for purposes of allowing a student at a California State University campus to take an exam when that activity would not violate the student's religious creed, except when it would impose an undue hardship that could not reasonably have been avoided. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0651-0700/ab_668_bill_20111008_chaptered.pdf Title: A.B. 668 Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov OH Signed into law 06/2011 Postsec. Prohibits a state institution of higher education from taking any action or enforcing any policy that would deny a religious student group any benefit available to any other student group based on the religious student group's requirement that its leaders or members adhere to its sincerely held religious beliefs or standards of conduct. Defines "benefits" for purposes of this section. Page 450 of 1000: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/BillText129/129_HB_153_EN_part2.pdf Title: H.B. 153 - Prohibition of Denying Benefits to a Religious Student Group Source: www.legislature.state.oh.us NC Signed into law 07/2010 P-12 Postsec. Community College Requires principals, community colleges and universities to authorize a minimum of two excused absences each academic year for religious observances required by the faith of a student or the student's parents; provides that the student's parents may be required to give the principal written notice of the request for an excused absence a reasonable time prior to the religious observance; mandates that the student be given the opportunity to make up any tests or other work missed due to an excused absence for a religious observance. http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2009/Bills/House/PDF/H357v4.pdf Title: H.B. 357 Source: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us SC Signed into law 05/2010 P-12 Requires school districts to treat a student's voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject in the same manner the district treats a student's voluntary expression of a secular or other viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject and must not discriminate against the student based on a religious viewpoint expressed by the student on an otherwise permissible subject; permits a student to express his or her beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content of his submission; permits students to organize prayer groups, religious clubs, 'see you at the pole' gatherings, or other religious gatherings before, during, and after school to the same extent that students are permitted to organize other noncurricular student activities and groups; allows a school district to disclaim school sponsorship of noncurricular groups and events in a manner that neither favors nor disfavors groups that meet to engage in prayer or religious speech. http://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess118_2009-2010/bills/134.htm Title: S.B. 134 Source: http://www.scstatehouse.gov OK Signed into law 05/2010 P-12 Authorizes districts to offer an elective high school course on the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and its impact and an elective course on the New Testament and its impact; or an elective course that teaches students knowledge of biblical content, characters, poetry, and narratives that are prerequisites to understanding contemporary society and culture, including literature, art, music, mores, oratory, and public policy; and familiarizes students with the content, history of, literary style and influence of Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament. Requires that the Bible be the primary text of the course, although it may be supplemented with additional resources. http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2009-10bills/HB/HB2321_ENR.RTF Title: H.B. 2321 Source: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us AZ Signed into law 07/2009 P-12 Creates the Students' Religious Liberties Act; prohibits a public educational institution from discriminating against students or parents on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious expression; permits students to participate in prayer or engage in religious activities and to wear clothing and accessories that display religious messages or symbols. Chapter 88 http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/legtext/49leg/1r/summary/h.hb2357_07-01-09_astransmittedtogovernor.doc.htm Title: H.B. 2357 Source: http://www.azleg.gov/ OK Signed into law 04/2009 P-12 Directs each school district to adopt a policy, with grade-level-appropriate instructional levels, that assures that all students are encouraged, and have the opportunity, to read and study the founding documents of America that are pertinent to understanding the principles, character, and world view of America's founders, including documents that contributed to the foundation or maintenance of America's representative republican form of limited government, the Bill of Rights, our free-market economic system, and patriotism. Each school district is required to permit a principal or teacher to use, read, or post in a public school building, classroom, or at any public school event any excerpts or portions of the documents, writings, speeches, proclamations, or records relating to the history, heritage, or foundation of the United States or the State of Oklahoma including, but not limited to, the: 1. Mayflower Compact; 2. Declaration of Independence; 3. Constitutions of the United States and the State of Oklahoma; 4. Federalist Papers; 5. Pledge of Allegiance; 6. National anthem; 7. Presidential records and speeches; 8. Acts and published records of Congress; and 9. United States Supreme Court decisions and records. School districts may not limit or restrain instruction in American or Oklahoma state history or heritage based on religious references in documents, writings, speeches, proclamations, or the materials. These and any other materials shall be used for educational purposes only and not to establish or promote any religion. States that students may voluntarily choose to read, write, share, report, or otherwise study a topic which is religious in nature provided other students are provided with the same opportunity to freely choose a topic. http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2009-10HB/HB1756_int.rtf Title: H.B. 1756 Source: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us LA Signed into law 06/2008 P-12 Creates the Science Education Act; relates to curriculum and instruction in public elementary and secondary schools; provides that, upon request of a city, parish, or school board, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall allow and assist teachers in promoting critical thinking skills and open and objective discussion of scientific theories, including evolution and global warming; authorizes teachers to use supplemental textbooks. http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=503483 Title: S.B. 733 Source: http://www.legis.state.la.us/ TN Signed into law 06/2008 P-12 Authorizes the state board of education to approve a curriculum for an elective state-funded course of a nonsectarian, nonreligious academic study of the Bible. Any LEA that elects to offer the Bible course and utilize an approved textbook would be required to do so in a manner that is consistent with the state and federal constitutions. This bill prohibits the use of any religious test or association when assigning teachers for Bible courses pursuant to this bill. http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/bills/currentga/Chapter/PC1037.pdf Title: S.B. 4104 Source: http://www.legislature.state.tn.us VA Signed into law 05/2008 P-12 From fiscal impact statement: Provides that a student's voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint in homework, artwork or other written or oral assignments may not be discriminated against based on the content of the submission but shall be judged by ordinary standards of substance and relevance and against other legitimate pedagogical concerns identified by the school. http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?081+ful+HB1135ER Title: H.B. 1135 Source: http://leg1.state.va.us KY Signed into law 04/2008 P-12 By September 30 of each year, requires the secretary of the transportation cabinet to report to the general assembly's interim committee on appropriations and revenue the following information for those fiscal court applications received by the transportation cabinet: (a) The annual cost to transport an individual pupil by local school district (b) The total annual cost to transport all pupils (c) The number of nonpublic school pupils transported by district (d) The amount of money needed to fund actual costs to transport the projected number of nonpublic pupils over the next biennium (e) A history by year of participating counties requesting funding to transport nonpublic students, the funding requested by the counties, and the actual funding provided to the counties. http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/08RS/HB655/bill.doc Title: H.B. 655 Source: www.lrc.ky.gov NJ Signed into law 03/2008 Postsec. Community College Pertains to institutions of higher education. Requires alternative testing arrangements be provided to certain students unable to attend tests at their regular administration due to religious observance. http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/S1500/1023_I1.PDF Title: S.B. 1023 Source: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us IL Veto overridden: legislature has overridden governor's veto 10/2007 P-12 Amends the Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act. Provides that a teacher must observe a brief period of silence at the opening of every school day with the participation of all pupils assembled. Provides that this period may not be conducted as a religious exercise but must be an opportunity for silent prayer or silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day. Bill: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/95/SB/PDF/09500SB1463lv.pdf Veto message: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/95/SB/PDF/09500SB1463gms.pdf Title: S.B. 1463 Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet SC Signed into law 06/2007 P-12 Provides that the board of trustees of any state school district may offer an elective course teaching the history and literature of the Old Testament era and an elective course teaching the history and literature of the New Testament era; provides that such courses must be taught in an objective manner with no attempt to indoctrinate students. http://www.scstatehouse.net/sess117_2007-2008/bills/726.htm Title: S.B. 726 Source: http://www.scstatehouse.net TX Signed into law 06/2007 P-12 Clarifies the first amendment rights of students at school by codifying current court decisions regarding religious expression and by authorizing the school district to adopt and implement a policy that establishes a limited public forum, provides certain disclaimers, and sets forth permissible forms of religious expression by students. http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/pdf/HB03678F.pdf Title: H.B. 3678 Source: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us TX Signed into law 05/2007 P-12 Authorizes districts to offer to students in grade nine or above an elective course on the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and its impact and an elective course on the New Testament and its impact, or an elective course that combines those two courses. (b) Provides that the purpose of a course under this section is to teach students knowledge of biblical content, characters, poetry, and narratives that are prerequisites to understanding contemporary society and culture, including literature, art, music, mores, oratory, and public policy, and familiarize students with, as applicable, the contents of the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament, the history of the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament, the literary style and structure of the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament, and the influence of the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament on law, history, government, literature, art, music, customs, morals, values, and culture. Prohibits requiring students to use a specific translation as the sole text. http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/pdf/HB01287F.pdf Title: H.B. 1287 Source: http://www.legis.state.tx.us MI Signed into law 09/2006 Postsec. Community College Exempts religious colleges from state regulation of educational programs offering degrees, diplomas or certificates based on education beyond high school, or education for transfer to institutions of higher learning. http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2005-2006/publicact/pdf/2006-PA-0420.pdf Title: H.B. 6016 Source: http://www.michiganlegislature.org MI Signed into law 09/2006 Postsec. Community College Revises the provisions of existing law regulating educational corporations; provides for an educational corporation classification to include those that are instituted and maintained by an ecclesiastical or religious order, society, corporation, or corporations that retain control of the institution for denominational purposes; allows for an ecclesiastical educational corporation to organize and operate a religious college under certain guidelines. http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2005-2006/publicact/pdf/2006-PA-0420.pdf Title: H.B. 6014 Source: http://www.michiganlegislature.org NY Signed into law 07/2006 P-12 Directs the board of regents to schedule any state mandated examinations on days other than days of religious observation. Title: A.B. 11550 Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet OH Signed into law 05/2006 P-12 Requires school districts and community schools that receive donated copies of mottoes of the United State of America or the state of Ohio to display the mottoes in school buildings. U.S. motto: "In God We Trust" Ohio motto: "With God, All Things Are Possible" http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=126_HB_184 Title: H.B. 184 Source: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/ GA Signed into law 04/2006 P-12 Authorizes high schools to offer elective courses in the History and Literature of the Old Testament Era and the History and Literature of the New Testament Era. Requires the state board, by February 2007, to adopt a curriculum for each course, including objectives, reading materials, and lesson plans. Specifies that the Old and New Testament shall be the basic text for each respective course. Effective July 2007, students may earn .5 Carnegie units of elective credit for completing each course. Requires the courses to: (A) Be taught in an objective and nondevotional manner with no attempt made to indoctrinate students as to either the truth or falsity of the biblical materials or texts from other religious or cultural traditions; (B) Not include teaching of religious doctrine or sectarian interpretation of the Bible or of texts from other religious or cultural traditions; and (C) Not disparage or encourage a commitment to a set of religious beliefs. Specifies that no person shall be assigned to teach such courses based in whole or in part on any religious test, profession of faith or lack thereof, prior or present religious affiliation or lack of affiliation, or criteria involving particular beliefs or lack thereof about the Bible. Adds that the qualifications and training of teachers shall be determined by local boards. Authorizes a local board to monitor the content and teaching of the courses as it deems appropriate. Clarifies that these provisions do not limit the authority of a local board to offer courses regarding the Old Testament or the New Testament that are not in compliance with these provisions; provided, however, that no state funds shall be expended in connection with such a course that does not meet the requirements of these provisions. Also clarifies that local boards are not barred from offering elective courses based upon the books of other religions or societies. In determining whether to offer such courses, the local board may consider various factors including student and parent demand for such courses and the impact such books have had upon history and culture. http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2005_06/pdf/sb79.pdf Title: S.B. 79 Source: www.legis.state.ga.us VA Vetoed 04/2006 P-12 Relates to high school baccalaureate ceremonies; includes school division sanctioning of high school baccalaureate ceremonies among the prayer-oriented school activities for which the Board of Education, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, must develop guidelines to promote compliance with constitutional restrictions and the observance of constitutional rights. http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?061+ful+HB493ER Governor's veto explanation: http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?061+amd+HB493AG Title: H.B. 493 Source: http://leg1.state.va.us VA Signed into law 03/2006 P-12 Reallocates the duty to authorize a comparative religion class from local school boards to the Board of Education. In the process of revising the Standards of Quality, language was inadvertently altered during the 2004 Session. http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?061+ful+CHAP0161, http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?061+ful+CHAP0090 Title: S.B. 62, H.B. 215 Source: http://leg1.state.va.us NV Died 03/2006 P-12 The Truth in Science Initiative (Initiative) proposes to add a new section to the Constitution regarding how evolution is to be taught in the state's schools. Under the Initiative, students must be informed that although most scientists agree that Darwin's theory of evolution is well supported, a small minority of scientists do not agree. The Initiative specifies several areas of disagreement about the theory of evolution. The Initiative requires that all students must be taught the strengths and weaknesses of the theory of evolution with regard to these specified areas of disagreement before the end of the 10th grade. http://secretaryofstate.biz/nvelection/int_ref/TruthInScience.pdf Title: Initiative Petition Source: http://secretaryofstate.biz GA Signed into law 05/2005 P-12 Provides that state law may not prohibit a private school from conducting a prayer prior to an athletic event held on the campus of the private school; and that athletic teams from public schools cannot be prohibited from participating in an athletic event held on the campus of a private school in this state for the reason that the hosting private school conducts a prayer prior to such athletic event. Bars a state-funded school from participating in, sponsoring, or providing coaching staff for interscholastic sports events conducted under the authority of, conducted under the rules of, or scheduled by any athletic association which prohibits or discourages a private school from conducting a prayer prior to an athletic event held on the campus of the private school. http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2005_06/versions/hb678_HB_678_AP_5.htm Title: H.B. 678 Source: http://www.legis.state.ga.us CA Signed into law 09/2004 P-12 Provides that if any part of a school's instruction in health conflicts with the religious training and beliefs of a parent or guardian of a pupil, the pupil, upon the parent or guardian's written request, shall be excused from the part of the instruction that conflicts with the religious training and beliefs. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_2501-2550/ab_2525_bill_20040929_chaptered.pdf Title: A.B. 2525 (multiple provisions) Source: www.leginfo.ca.gov OK Signed into law 05/2004 P-12 Part of this bill adds a new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 24-106.1 of Title 70, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows: Principals and teachers in each public elementary and secondary school of each school district in this state may display in each classroom, school auditorium, and school cafeteria under their supervision the following motto of the United States of America: "E PLURIBUS UNUM (Out of Many One)" and "IN GOD WE TRUST". For purposes of this section, "classroom" means any room of a public school where instruction takes place. http://www2.lsb.state.ok.us/2003-04HB/hb2477_enr.rtf Title: H.B. 2477 Source: http://www2.lsb.state.ok.us TX Signed into law 06/2003 Postsec. Relates to excused absences for religious holy days for students in institutions of higher education. An institution of higher education must excuse a student from attending classes or other required activities, including examinations, for the observance of a religious holy day, ncluding travel for that purpose. A student whose absence is excused under this subsection may not be penalized for that absence and shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment from which the student is excused within a reasonable time after the absence. http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/tlo/textframe.cmd?LEG=78&SESS=R&CHAMBER=H&BILLTYPE=B&BILLSUFFIX=00256&VERSION=5&TYPE=B Title: H.B. 256 Source: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us TX Signed into law 05/2003 P-12 Postsec. Relates to the display of the United States national motto in public elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education. Title: H.B. 219 Source: StateNet TX Signed into law 05/2003 P-12 Relates to the observance of one minute of silence during the school day in public schools; provides the board of trustees of each school district shall provide for the observance of one minute of silence during each school day at each school in the district. Title: S.B. 83 Source: StateNet TX Signed into law 05/2003 P-12 Requires the board of trustees of each school district to provide for the observance of one minute of silence during each school day at each school in the district. Also requires local boards to require require students, once during each school day at each school in the district, to recite the pledge of allegiance to the United States flag and the pledge of allegiance to the state flag. On written request from a student's parent or guardian, a school district must excuse the student from reciting a pledge of allegiance. http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/tlo/textframe.cmd?LEG=78&SESS=R&CHAMBER=S&BILLTYPE=B&BILLSUFFIX=00083&VERSION=5&TYPE=B Title: S.B. 83 Source: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us ND Signed into law 04/2003 P-12 Allows the display of the national motto "In God We Trust" in schools. http://www.state.nd.us/lr/assembly/58-2003/bill_text/DBBK0300.pdf Title: H.B. 1325 Source: http://www.state.nd.us KY Signed into law 03/2003 Postsec. Deletes references that prohibit the use of student financial aid funds, including Education Excellence Scholarship funds, for students who plan to major in theology, divinity, or religious education. http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/RECORD/03RS/HB40/bill.doc Title: H.B. 40 Source: StateNet UT Adopted 09/2002 P-12 Requires Utah public schools to display the United States national motto, consistent with state law. UTAH REG 25218 (SN) Title: R277-475 Source: StateNet IL Signed into law 06/2002 P-12 Amends the Silent Reflection Act. Changes the short title of the Act to the Silent Reflection and Student Prayer Act. Allows students in the public schools to voluntarily engage in individually initiated, non-disruptive prayer that is not sponsored, promoted, or endorsed in any manner by the school or any school employee. Title: H.B. 4117 Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet SC Signed into law 06/2002 P-12 Authorizes the governing body of a school board or school district to adopt a policy that permits the use of a brief opening or closing message by a student at a high school graduation exercise; provides the conditions under which this message may be delivered; authorizes the governing body of a school board or school district to adopt a policy that permits the use of a brief opening or closing message by a student at athletic or other events. Title: H.B. 4683 Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet OK Signed into law 05/2002 P-12 The each board of education is required to ensure that the public schools within the district observe approximately one minute of silence each day for the purpose of allowing each student, in the exercise of his or her individual choice, to reflect, meditate, pray, or engage in any other silent activity that does not interfere with, distract, or impede other students in the exercise of their individual choices. The state Attorney General authorized to intervene in any legal proceeding to enforce the provisions of this act and shall represent any school district or employee named as a defendant. Title: S.B. 815 Source: http://www2.lsb.state.ok.us/2001-02SB/sb815_enr.rtf FL Signed into law 05/2002 P-12 Requires department to annually distribute to all local board members, superintendents principals and teachers the complete guidelines on "Religious Expression in Public Schools" published by the U.S. Department of Education. http://www.leg.state.fl.us/data/session/2002E/Senate/bills/billtext/pdf/s0020Eer.pdf Title: S.B. 20E Source: http://www.leg.state.fl.us MD Signed into law 05/2002 P-12 Postsec. Authorizes the Department of General Services to purchase materials, supplies and equipment on behalf of specified private elementary and secondary schools; prohibits the Departments of General Services from purchasing religious materials on behalf of a private elementary of secondary school or nonpublic institutions of higher education. http://mlis.state.md.us/2002rs/bills/hb/hb0779t.rtf Title: H.B. 779 Source: mlis.state.md.us OH Signed into law 04/2002 P-12 Permits the board of education of a school district to provide for a period of silence each school day for reflection or meditation upon a moral, philosophical, or patriotic theme; prohibits boards of education, schools, or employees of the school district from requiring a pupil to participate in such a period of silence; prohibits the board of education of a school district from adopting policies pertaining to religion or religious expression. Title: H.B. 394 Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet LA Vetoed 04/2002 P-12 Forbids any public elementary or secondary school student in Bossier Parish to be prohibited from participating in voluntary, student-initiated, student-led prayer at any time before, during or after the school day as long as such prayer is nonsectarian, noncoercive, and nondisruptive. Requires that in the case of any challenge to the constitutionality of this section, all costs of the challenge must be borne by the Bossier Parish School System. Title: H.B. 22A Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet LA Signed into law 04/2002 P-12 Requires that school prayer or meditation be silent. Title: H.B. 13A Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet AL Signed into law 03/2002 P-12 Urges the State Superintendent of Education and State Board of Education to encourage principals and teachers in public schools to display the national motto, "In God We Trust". http://alisdb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/searchableinstruments/2002rs/resolutions/sjr86.htm Title: S.J.R. 86 Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet VA Signed into law 03/2002 P-12 Requires all school boards to post the statement, "In God We Trust, the national motto, enacted by Congress in 1956," prominently and in a conspicuous place, in each of their schools for all students to read. Governor's recommendations were to change language to "may" and preclude the use of private funds - use public funds only. Recommendations were rejected, however. Final language specifies that local boards have descretion to accept private funds to support. http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?021+ful+CHAP0895 Title: H.B. 108, S.B. 608 Source: http://leg1.state.va.us OK Signed into law 05/2001 P-12 Relates to schools; designates November 11 as Veterans Day; requires public schools to conduct and observe Veterans Day programs; allows schools to conduct a moment of silence for certain purpose; requires certain instruction in United States flag etiquette and history; authorizes students to recite the pledge of allegiance each school day; requires the posting of notice concerning nonparticipation. Title: S.B. 128 Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet AL Signed into law 05/2001 P-12 Relates to school athletic events and graduation ceremonies; provides a brief period of quiet reflection required at the opening of school athletic events and graduation ceremonies; deletes language stating that provisions relating to the period of quiet reflection shall not prevent student initiated voluntary school prayer at school or school related events that are nonsectarian and nonproselytizing in attitude. Title: H.B. 200 Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet MT Signed into law 05/2001 P-12 Allows a school district to be determine the amount of time for which a student may be released from school for religious instruction. Title: H.B. 272 Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet ND Signed into law 04/2001 P-12 Relates to the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools and public school buildings and events. Title: S.B. 2177 Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet ND Signed into law 04/2001 P-12 Relates to religious and secular speech in schools and repeals section relating to periods of silence during a school day. Title: H.B. 1437 Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet MS Signed into law 03/2001 P-12 Authorizes a brief period of quiet reflection in public school classrooms; authorizes and directs principals and teachers in public elementary and secondary schools to display the "In God We Trust" motto of the United States of America in each classroom, school auditorium, and cafeteria. Title: H.B. 51 Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet VA Signed into law 02/2001 P-12 Requires the Board of Education to authorize, as an elective in grades 9 through 12 with appropriate credits toward graduation, a comparative religion class that focuses on the basic tenets, history, and religious observances and rites of world religions in the 21st Century. Title: S.B. 1391 Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet FL Signed into law 06/2000 P-12 Postsec. Creates Community and Faith-based Organizations initiative within Institute on Urban Policy and Commerce at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University; provides for initiative to promote community development through partnerships with community and faith-based organizations; specifies activities to be conducted by initiative; provides for financial assistance to community and faith-based organizations; requires the development of grant-selection criteria. Title: S.B. 406 Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet IN Signed into law 04/2000 P-12 Authorizes the display of the Ten Commandments on real property owned by the state or a political subdivision as part of an exihibit displaying other documents of historical significance that formed and influenced the United States legal or governmental system. Title: H.B. 1180 Source: Lexis-Nexis KY Signed into law 04/2000 P-12 Requests the Kentucky Board Of Education to encourage teachers and school administrators to post and teach from historic displays of original documents reflecting American history, which may include the Ten Commandments; permits cost of posting and maintaining displays to be defrayed in whole or part by voluntary private contributions. Title: S.J.R. 57 Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet VA Signed into law 04/2000 P-12 Requires school boards to establish daily moments of silence for meditation, prayer or other silent activity in every classroom in the public schools of Virginia. No other activities may be allowed during this time. The Office of the Attorney General must provide legal counsel for the defense of this law. Title: S.B. 209 Source: Virginia Session Highlights: http://dls.state.va.us/pubs/hilights/2000 SD Signed into law 03/2000 P-12 Permits schools to display the Ten Commandments. Title: H.B. 1261 Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet KY Signed into law 03/2000 P-12 Requires a liability insurer to pay according to the terms of the policy an insured who is sued for posting the Ten Commandments in a public school building; provides that such posting is not an illegal act but a legal posting of a historical document. Title: H.B. 662 Source: Lexis-Nexis/StateNet