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HB 306

CRIMINAL LAW-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

HB 306 mandates Alabama public K-12 schools to broadcast "The Star-Spangled Banner" weekly, promoting patriotism and historical awareness among students.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 306

Summary of HB 306: Public K-12 Schools - Broadcast of the Star-Spangled Banner Required Weekly

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 306
- Title: Public K-12 Schools, broadcast of the Star-Spangled Banner required weekly, proposed constitutional amendment
- Status: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Education Policy
- Introduced: February 18, 2025
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: Constitutional Amendments Statewide

Purpose and Intent

HB 306 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, with the primary aim of requiring local boards of education to implement policies that mandate the broadcast or performance of the first stanza of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at least once a week during school hours in all public K-12 schools. The bill emphasizes the importance of this national anthem in fostering patriotism and historical awareness among students.

Key Provisions

The proposed amendment includes the following key provisions:

  1. Mandatory Broadcast/Performance:

    • Each local board of education must adopt a policy requiring K-12 public schools to broadcast or sanction the performance of the first stanza of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at least once per week during school hours.

  2. Selection of Performance:

    • Local boards may choose to broadcast any recording of the anthem that is archived within the Library of Congress and available on its website.
    • Alternatively, schools may allow performances from original sheet music archived in the Library of Congress by school-sanctioned bands, choirs, or vocal groups.

  3. Election Requirement:

    • The amendment will be put to a vote, and it will become part of the Constitution of Alabama if approved by a majority of qualified voters.

  4. Procedural Details:

    • The election will be conducted in accordance with Sections 284 and 285 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, and the election laws of the state.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • This bill will directly impact all public K-12 schools in Alabama, requiring them to incorporate the national anthem into their weekly routines.
    • Local boards of education will need to develop and implement policies to comply with this requirement.

  • Civic Education:

    • The bill aims to enhance students' exposure to American history and instill a sense of patriotism through regular engagement with the national anthem.

Timeline

  • Introduced: February 18, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill is pending committee action in the House of Origin (Education Policy) as of the date of introduction.

Conclusion

HB 306 seeks to enshrine the weekly performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in Alabama's public K-12 schools, reflecting a commitment to promoting national pride and historical awareness among students. The proposed constitutional amendment will be subject to voter approval, determining its future implementation in the state's educational framework.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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