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From the ECS State Policy Database 1994-2013

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Education Commission of the States • 700 Broadway, Suite 810 • Denver, CO 80203-3442 • 303.299.3600 • fax 303.296.8332 • www.ecs.org

The following summary includes policies ECS has tracked in this database since 1994. 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. To view the documents, click on the blue triangle next to the topic of interest. Please cite use of the database as: Education Commission of the States (ECS) State Policy Database, retrieved [date]. State Status/Date Level Summary 21st Century Skills Accountability Accountability--Accreditation Accountability--Measures/Indicators Accountability--Reporting Results Accountability--Rewards Accountability--Sanctions/Interventions Accountability--Sanctions/Interventions--Learnfare Accountability--Sanctions/Interventions--No Pass No Drive Accountability--Sanctions/Interventions--No Pass No Play Accountability--Sanctions/Interventions--Takeovers Accountability--School Improvement Adult Basic Education Assessment Assessment--Accommodations Assessment--College Entrance Exams Assessment--Common Core/National Tests Assessment--Computer Based Assessment--End-of-Course Assessment--Formative/Interim Assessment--High Stakes/Competency Assessment--NAEP (NAEP Results and NAEP Organization) Assessment--Performance Based/Portfolio Assessment--Value Added At-Risk (incl. Dropout Prevention) At-Risk (incl. Dropout Prevention)--Alternative Education At-Risk (incl. Dropout Prevention)--Drugs/Alcohol Attendance Attendance--Compulsory Attendance--Statutory Ages (Upper and Lower) Attendance--Truancy Background Checks Bilingual/ESL Brain Research Business Involvement Career/Technical Education Career/Technical Education--Career Academies/Apprenticeship Cheating Choice of Schools Choice of Schools--Charter Schools Choice of Schools--Charter Schools--Charter Districts Choice of Schools--Charter Schools--Closings Choice of Schools--Charter Schools--Cyber Charters Choice of Schools--Charter Schools--Finance Choice of Schools--Charter Schools--Research Choice of Schools--Choice/Open Enrollment Choice of Schools--Innovation Schools Choice of Schools--Magnet or Specialized Schools Choice of Schools--Tax Credits Choice of Schools--Vouchers Choice of Schools--Vouchers--Privately Funded Civic Education Civic Education--Character Education Civic Education--Civic Knowledge and Literacy Civic Education--Curriculum/Standards Civic Education--Pledge of Allegiance Class Size Counseling/Guidance Curriculum Curriculum--Alignment Curriculum--Arts Education Curriculum--Censorship Curriculum--Computer Science Curriculum--Core Curriculum Curriculum--Drivers Education Curriculum--Environmental Education Curriculum--Excusal Curriculum--Family Living Education Curriculum--Financial Literacy/Economics Ed. Curriculum--Foreign Language/Sign Language Curriculum--Geography Education Curriculum--Health/Nutrition Education Curriculum--Home Economics Curriculum--International Education Curriculum--Language Arts Curriculum--Language Arts--Writing/Spelling Curriculum--Mathematics Curriculum--Multicultural Curriculum--Physical Education Curriculum--Science Curriculum--Sex Education Curriculum--Social Studies/History Data-Driven Improvement Demographics Demographics--Condition of Children/Adults Demographics--Enrollments Desegregation Economic/Workforce Development Economic/Workforce Development--Value of an Education Education Research Equity Federal Finance Finance--Adequacy/Core Cost Finance--Aid to Private Schools Finance--Bonds Finance--District Finance--Does Money Matter? Finance--Equity Finance--Facilities Finance--Federal Finance--Funding Formulas Finance--Litigation Finance--Local Foundations/Funds Finance--Lotteries Finance--Performance Funding Finance--Private Giving Finance--Resource Efficiency Finance--State Budgets/Expenditures Finance--Student Fees Finance--Taxes/Revenues Finance--Taxes/Revenues--Alternative Revenues Governance Governance--Deregulation/Waivers/Home Rule Governance--Ethics/Conflict of Interest Governance--Mandates Governance--Regional Entities Governance--School Boards Governance--School Boards--Training Governance--Site-Based Management Governance--State Boards/Chiefs/Agencies Health Health--Child Abuse Health--Mental Health Health--Nutrition Health--School Based Clinics or School Nurses Health--Suicide Prevention Health--Teen Pregnancy High School High School--Advanced Placement High School--College Readiness High School--Credit Recovery High School--Dropout Rates/Graduation Rates High School--Dual/Concurrent Enrollment High School--Early Colleges/Middle Colleges High School--Exit Exams High School--GED (General Education Development) High School--Graduation Requirements Instructional Approaches Instructional Approaches--Constructivism Instructional Approaches--Grading Practices Instructional Approaches--Homeschooling Instructional Approaches--Homework/Study Skills Instructional Approaches--Official English Instructional Approaches--Problem Based Learning Instructional Approaches--Single-Sex Education Instructional Approaches--Teaching Across Disciplines Instructional Approaches--Time/Time on Task Instructional Approaches--Tracking/Ability Grouping Integrated Services/Full-Service Schools International Baccalaureate International Benchmarking Leadership Leadership--District Superintendent Leadership--District Superintendent--Compensation and Diversified Pay Leadership--Principal/School Leadership Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Certification and Licensure Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Compensation and Diversified Pay Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Evaluation and Effectiveness Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Induction Programs and Mentoring Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Preparation Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Preparation--Alternative Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Professional Development Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Recruitment and Retention Leadership--Principal/School Leadership--Tenure Mentoring/Tutoring Middle School Minority/Diversity Issues Minority/Diversity Issues--African American Minority/Diversity Issues--American Indian / Alaska Native / Native Hawaiian Minority/Diversity Issues--Hispanic No Child Left Behind No Child Left Behind--Adequate Yearly Progress No Child Left Behind--Assessment No Child Left Behind--Choice/Transfer No Child Left Behind--Consequences for Schools No Child Left Behind--Finance No Child Left Behind--Parent Involvement No Child Left Behind--Reauthorization Issues/Waivers No Child Left Behind--Report Cards No Child Left Behind--School Support No Child Left Behind--Special Populations No Child Left Behind--Supplemental Services Online Learning--Digital/Blended Learning Online Learning--Virtual Schools/Courses P-16 or P-20 P-3 P-3 Brain Development P-3 Child Care P-3 Content Standards and Assessment P-3 Data Systems P-3 Early Intervention (0-3) P-3 English Language Learners (ELL) P-3 Ensuring Quality P-3 Evaluation/Economic Benefits P-3 Family Involvement P-3 Finance P-3 Governance P-3 Grades 1-3 P-3 Health and Mental Health P-3 Kindergarten P-3 Kindergarten--Full-Day Kindergarten P-3 Kindergarten--Full Day Kindergarten P-3 Preschool P-3 Public/Private Partnerships P-3 Special Ed./Inclusion P-3 Teaching Quality/Professional Development P-3 Technology Parent/Family Parent/Family--Parent Rights Parent/Family--Research Partnerships--University/School Postsecondary Postsecondary Accountability Postsecondary Accountability--Accreditation Postsecondary Accountability--Diploma Mills Postsecondary Accountability--Licensing/Program Review and Approval Postsecondary Accountability--Student Learning Postsecondary Affordability Postsecondary Affordability--Financial Aid Postsecondary Affordability--Textbooks Postsecondary Affordability--Tuition/Fees Postsecondary Affordability--Tuition/Fees--Prepd/College Savings Plans Postsecondary Affordability--Tuition/Fees--Undocumented Immigrants Postsecondary Faculty Postsecondary Faculty--Compensation Postsecondary Faculty--Intellectual Property Postsecondary Faculty--Teaching Assistants Postsecondary Faculty--Tenure Postsecondary Finance Postsecondary Finance--Efficiency/Performance-Based Funding Postsecondary Finance--Facilities Postsecondary Finance--Revenue and Expenditures Postsecondary Governance and Structures Postsecondary Governance and Structures--Administrative/Leadership Issues Postsecondary Governance and Structures--State Executives/State Agencies Postsecondary Institutions Postsecondary Institutions--Community/Technical Colleges Postsecondary Institutions--For-Profit/Proprietary Postsecondary Institutions--Four-Year Baccalaureate Postsecondary Institutions--HBCUs/Minority-Serving Institutions Postsecondary Institutions--Private/Independent Postsecondary Online Instruction Postsecondary Participation Postsecondary Participation--Access Postsecondary Participation--Admissions Requirements Postsecondary Participation--Affirmative Action Postsecondary Participation--Enrollments (Statistics) Postsecondary Participation--Outreach Postsecondary Students Postsecondary Students--Adults Postsecondary Students--Disabled Postsecondary Students--Foster Youth Postsecondary Students--Graduate/Professional Postsecondary Students--International Postsecondary Students--Low-Income Postsecondary Students--Military Postsecondary Students--Minority Postsecondary Success Postsecondary Success--Completion Postsecondary Success--Developmental/Remediation Postsecondary Success--Retention/Persistence Postsecondary Success--Transfer/Articulation Private Schools Privatization Privatization--Education Management Agencies (EMOs) Proficiency-Based Approaches Promising Practices Promotion/Retention Public Involvement Purposes of Public Education Reading/Literacy Reading/Literacy--Adult Literacy Religion MO Signed into law 07/2013 P-12 Use of Books of a Religious Nature in Schools S.B. 17 Provides that books of a religious nature may be used as part of instruction in elective courses in literature and history, so long as the books are not used in a manner that violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constit... More... CA Signed into law 05/2013 Postsec. Sikhism in Postsecondary Instruction A.C.R. 20 Recognizes the need for the inclusion of Sikhism in world religions, Eastern religions, Asian, and South Asian courses at all postsecondary educational institutions, such as University of California, California State University, and California Community Colle... More... AR Signed into law 04/2013 P-12 Bible Course H.B. 1017 Allows school districts to adopt curriculum standards for an academic study of The Bible course that may be offered as an elective course. http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2013/2013R/Bills/HB1017.pdf... More... ID Signed into law 03/2013 Postsec. Equal Campus Freedoms for Religious Groups S.B. 1078 Provides an amendement so that no state postsecondary educational institution will take any action or enforce any policy that would deny a religious student group any benefit available to any other student group based on the religious student group's requireme... More... MS Signed into law 03/2013 P-12 Mississippi Student Religious Liberties Act of 2013 S.B. 2633 Provides for voluntary student expression of religious viewpoints in public schools. Requires public school districts to allow religious expression in class assignments, to organize religious groups and activitives, and provide a limited public forum for stud... More... IL Signed into law 08/2012 Postsec. Postsecondary Students and Religious Observance S.B. 2949 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 provi... More... TN Vetoed 05/2012 Postsec. Student Organizations S.B. 3597 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 organi... More... CA Signed into law 10/2011 Postsec. "Undue Hardship" in Terms of Rescheduling College Exam to Accommodate Religious Observance A.B. 668 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... More... OH Signed into law 06/2011 Postsec. Prohibition of Denying Benefits to a Religious Student Group H.B. 153 - Prohibition of Denying Benefits to a Religious Student Group 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 m... More... AZ Signed into law 04/2011 Postsec. Community College Religious Discrimation H.B. 2565 Prohibits public universities and community colleges from discriminating against, adopting policies that penalize or punish, or withholding a certificate or degree from a student based on the student's religious viewpoint, expression or belief. Specifies cour... More... NC Signed into law 07/2010 P-12 Postsec. Community College Excused Absences For Religious Observances H.B. 357 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 require... More... OK Signed into law 05/2010 P-12 High School Course on the Bible H.B. 2321 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, characte... More... SC Signed into law 05/2010 P-12 Religious Viewpoints Antidiscrimination Act S.B. 134 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 pe... More... AZ Signed into law 07/2009 P-12 Religious liberty H.B. 2357 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 reli... More... OK Signed into law 04/2009 P-12 Founding Documents; Religious Materials H.B. 1756 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 ... More... LA Signed into law 06/2008 P-12 Science Education and Instruction S.B. 733 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 te... More... TN Signed into law 06/2008 P-12 Nonreligious Academic Study of the Bible S.B. 4104 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... More... VA Signed into law 05/2008 P-12 Religious Viewpoints H.B. 1135 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 ordin... More... KY Signed into law 04/2008 P-12 Transportation of Nonpublic School Students H.B. 655 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 ... More... NJ Signed into law 03/2008 Postsec. Community College Alternative Testing Arrangements S.B. 1023 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.PD... More... IL Veto overridden: legislature has overridden governor's veto 10/2007 P-12 Period of Silence S.B. 1463 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... More... SC Signed into law 06/2007 P-12 Teaching History and Literature of the Old Testament S.B. 726 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 c... More... TX Signed into law 06/2007 P-12 Religious Expression at School H.B. 3678 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 disc... More... TX Signed into law 05/2007 P-12 Elective Course in Religion H.B. 1287 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) P... More... MI Signed into law 09/2006 Postsec. Community College Religious College State Regulation Exemption H.B. 6016 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/200... More... MI Signed into law 09/2006 Postsec. Community College Religious or Ecclesiastical Educational Corporations H.B. 6014 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 corporation... More... NY Signed into law 07/2006 P-12 Assessments on days of Religious Observation A.B. 11550 Directs the board of regents to schedule any state mandated examinations on days other than days of religious observation.... More... OH Signed into law 05/2006 P-12 Posting of Ohio and U.S. Mottos H.B. 184 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"... More... GA Signed into law 04/2006 P-12 Courses on the Old and New Testament S.B. 79 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 obje... More... VA Vetoed 04/2006 P-12 Guidelines for Graduation Ceremonies H.B. 493 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,... More... NV Died 03/2006 P-12 Truth in Science Initiative Initiative Petition 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 the... More... VA Signed into law 03/2006 P-12 Comparative Religion Class Authority S.B. 62, H.B. 215 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... More... GA Signed into law 05/2005 P-12 Prayer and Private Schools H.B. 678 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 hel... More... CA Signed into law 09/2004 P-12 Curriculum Excusal on Religious Grounds A.B. 2525 (multiple provisions) 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... More... OK Signed into law 05/2004 P-12 In God We Trust and E Pluribus Unum H.B. 2477 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... More... TX Signed into law 06/2003 Postsec. Religious Holy Day Excused Absences H.B. 256 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... More... TX Signed into law 05/2003 P-12 Observance of One Minute of Silence S.B. 83 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 sc... More... TX Signed into law 05/2003 P-12 Postsec. United States National Motto Display in Schools H.B. 219 Relates to the display of the United States national motto in public elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education.... More... TX Signed into law 05/2003 P-12 Observance of One Minute of Silence S.B. 83 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.... More... ND Signed into law 04/2003 P-12 National Motto in Schools H.B. 1325 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... More... KY Signed into law 03/2003 Postsec. Student Financial Aid H.B. 40 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... More... UT Adopted 09/2002 P-12 Patriotic Education R277-475 Requires Utah public schools to display the United States national motto, consistent with state law. UTAH REG 25218 (SN)... More... IL Signed into law 06/2002 P-12 Silent Reflection Act H.B. 4117 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, ... More... SC Signed into law 06/2002 P-12 Graduation Messages H.B. 4683 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... More... FL Signed into law 05/2002 P-12 Education Code Re-Write: Federal Religious Expression in Public Schools Guidelines S.B. 20E 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/se... More... MD Signed into law 05/2002 P-12 Postsec. Purchasing of Materials for Private K-12 and Postsecondary Schools H.B. 779 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 privat... More... OK Signed into law 05/2002 P-12 Moment of Silence S.B. 815 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, ... More... LA Vetoed 04/2002 P-12 Voluntary Student Prayer in Bossier Parish H.B. 22A 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, nonco... More... LA Signed into law 04/2002 P-12 Silent Prayer or Meditation H.B. 13A Requires that school prayer or meditation be silent.... More... OH Signed into law 04/2002 P-12 Moment of Silence H.B. 394 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 fro... More... AL Signed into law 03/2002 P-12 The Use of "In God We Trust" in Schools. S.J.R. 86 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/resolution... More... VA Signed into law 03/2002 P-12 Posting "In God We Trust" H.B. 108, S.B. 608 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... More... AL Signed into law 05/2001 P-12 Quiet Reflection H.B. 200 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 refle... More... MT Signed into law 05/2001 P-12 Student Release Time For Religious Instruction H.B. 272 Allows a school district to be determine the amount of time for which a student may be released from school for religious instruction.... More... OK Signed into law 05/2001 P-12 Moment of Silence, Pledge of Allegiance S.B. 128 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 an... More... ND Signed into law 04/2001 P-12 Ten Commandments S.B. 2177 Relates to the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools and public school buildings and events.... More... ND Signed into law 04/2001 P-12 Religious and secular speech in schools H.B. 1437 Relates to religious and secular speech in schools and repeals section relating to periods of silence during a school day.... More... MS Signed into law 03/2001 P-12 Requirement for Daily Period of Quiet Reflection H.B. 51 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, schoo... More... VA Signed into law 02/2001 P-12 Religion Classes S.B. 1391 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 th... More... FL Signed into law 06/2000 P-12 Postsec. Community/Faith Based Cooperation S.B. 406 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-... More... IN Signed into law 04/2000 P-12 Ten Commandments H.B. 1180 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... More... KY Signed into law 04/2000 P-12 Ten Commandments and Other Historical documents S.J.R. 57 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... More... VA Signed into law 04/2000 P-12 Moment of Silence/Prayer S.B. 209 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 p... More... KY Signed into law 03/2000 P-12 Ten Commandments H.B. 662 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.... More... SD Signed into law 03/2000 P-12 Ten Commandments H.B. 1261 Permits schools to display the Ten Commandments.... More... LA Signed into law 07/1999 P-12 School Prayer H.B. 2123 Removes restriction that school prayer must be silent.... More... NV Signed into law 05/1999 P-12 Nonsecular Activities in Schools S.B. 289 Clarifies provision regarding prohibition of nonsecular activities in public schools.... More... GA Died 05/1998 P-12 H.B. 1133 Theory of Evolution Relates to competencies and core curriculum in elementary and secondary schools; requires the presentation of both refuting and supporting scientific evidence when the theory of evolution is presented; defines terms.... More... KY Died 05/1998 P-12 BR 460 Religion Sets forth findings regarding religious liberty and free speech rights of students; defines terms; prescribes rights of students to participate in various religious activities at school, subject to certain conditions; prescribes administrative remedies and a c... More... MS Died 05/1998 P-12 H.B. 342 Requires monent of reflection and contemplation in the schools at the beginning of each school day; provides thet the moment of reflection shall be an opportunity to reflect on the anticipated activities of the day.... More... MS Died 05/1998 P-12 S.B. 2070 Allows voluntary benedictions, invocations or prayers given by student volunteers on public property during non-compulsory school assemblies, sporting events and commencement cermonies; repeals certain provisions that relate to authorization of voluntary schoo... More... NJ Signed into law 05/1998 P-12 S.B. 93 Remedial Programs Provides that remedial programs for nonpublic school students may be held on the premises of the nonpublic school.... More... WV Died 05/1998 P-12 S.J.R. 2 Prayer in Public Schools Relates to authorizing voluntary prayer in public schools.... More... AL Signed into law 04/1998 P-12 H.B. 19 Relates to the public schools; provides a brief period of quiet reflection at the opening of school every day in each public school classroom.... More... IA Signed into law 04/1998 P-12 S.B. 2348 Adds services funded by Title I of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to the list of which may be provided to nonpublic school students on nonpublic school premises.... More... KY Signed into law 04/1998 P-12 H.B. 2 Prayer Prohibits school personnel from denying students the privilege of praying during non-instructional time; specifies prayer must be student-initiated and voluntary.... More... MS Signed into law 04/1997 P-12 S.B. 2655 Provides that school curriculum may include religious matters when properly included in the course of study.... More... NM Signed into law 04/1997 P-12 H.B. 107 Student Excusal for Religious Instruction Amends a provision of law regarding excusal of students from school for the purpose of participating in religious instruction.... More... MN Signed into law 06/1996 P-12 Moment of Silence, 1996 Laws Chapter 412, Article 9, Section 10 A moment of silence may be observed.... More... KY Signed into law 03/1996 P-12 H.B. 28 Moment of Silence (Effective: 03/22/96) Relates to a moment of silence in the public school; permits observation of a moment of silence or reflection for one minute at the commencement of the first class each day.... More... TN Died 02/1996 P-12 H.B. 2972/S.B. 3229 Suspension for Teaching Theory of Evolution as Fact Provides for suspension or dismissal of any teacher or administrator teaching theory of evolution as fact rather than theory.... More... KY Died 01/1996 P-12 S.B. 10 Pledge of Allegiance Relates to the pledge of allegiance in public schools, to provide for a moment of silence not to exceed one minute in duration at the commencement of the first class of each day in all pubic schools; relates to the conduct of schools, to provide that no school... More... UT Signed into law 01/1996 P-12 H.B. 20 Moment of Silence (Effective: 02/23/96) Relates to public education; permitting public schools to observe a period of silence each day.... More... NC Signed into law 07/1995 P-12 H.B. 65 US Flag in Classrooms Provides a United States flag for every public school classroom and to require the student to recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day.... More... NC Signed into law 07/1995 P-12 S.B. 140 Observance of Moment of Silence in all School Units (Effective: 07/27/95) Requires the observance of a moment of silence in all school units; ensures the freedom of religion in public schools. Prohibits local boards of education from adopting policies that deny certain first amendment rights.... More... IN Signed into law 05/1995 P-12 H.B. 1255 - Curriculum Permits a school corporation to allow any principal or teacher to read or post in a school building or classroom or at a school event excerpts and portions or certain historical documents. Forbids the censorship of the documents based upon religious content. R... More... NM Signed into law 05/1995 P-12 Meditation in Public Schools Act Allows students in public schools to engage in student initiated moments of silent meditation.... More... NM Signed into law 04/1995 P-12 S 98a Meditation in Schools (Effective: 04/05/95) Enacts the Meditation in Public Schools Act to allow students in public schools to engage in student initiated moments of silent meditation.... More... NC Died 03/1995 P-12 H 202 Moment of Silence House action amends 1st edition adding language indicating purpose of the bill is to afford students and teachers a moment of quiet reflection at the beginning of the day, to create a boundary between school time and non-school time, and to set a tone of decor... More... AR Signed into law 02/1995 P-12 H.B. 1328 - History Curriculum Encourages posting in schools of historical documents, and prohibits content-based censorship of American history or heritage based on religious or other references in these writings, documents, and records.... More... NC Signed into law 06/1994 P-12 S.B. 1369 Permit Voluntary Student Prayer Directs local boards of education to permit prayer and allows funds to ensure carried out. (DPI Legislative Review 6/13/94)... More... VA Signed into law 04/1994 P-12 H.B. 1098 Student Initiated Prayer (22.1-203.1) Students in public schools may voluntarily engage in student-initiated prayer.... More... 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