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Bill

H 162

EDUCATION – Repeals and adds to existing law to require school-sponsored Bible reading.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill H 162 mandates daily Bible readings in Idaho public schools, allowing opt-outs for students while requiring teachers to read without interpretation.

Reported Printed and Referred to Education
#children #education #religionandchurches #schoolsandschooldistricts #students #teachingandteachers
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Bill Summary · H 162

Summary of House Bill H 162: School-Sponsored Bible Reading Act

Purpose and Intent

House Bill H 162 aims to establish a formal requirement for public school teachers in Idaho to read passages from the Bible in classrooms each day. This legislation seeks to reinstate a practice that has historical significance in American education, asserting that daily Bible reading contributes to moral education and cultural literacy.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant changes to existing law:

  1. Repeal and Replacement:

    • The bill repeals the previous Section 33-1604 of the Idaho Code and introduces new sections that outline the requirements for school-sponsored Bible reading.

  2. Daily Bible Reading Requirement:

    • Section 33-1604B mandates that selections from the King James version, New King James version, or Revised Standard version of the Bible be read each morning in every occupied classroom during instructional days.
    • The readings are to be conducted without comment or interpretation, and the entire Bible is to be read sequentially over a period of ten school years.

  3. Conscience Protections:

    • Section 33-1604C provides accommodations for teachers who object to reading the Bible on religious or conscience grounds. In such cases, another individual will be designated to read the selections.
    • Students may also be exempted from daily readings if their parents submit a written request.

  4. Injunctive Relief:

    • Section 33-1604D allows various stakeholders, including parents and school district employees, to seek injunctive relief against any school district that fails to comply with the provisions of the bill.

  5. Emergency Clause:

    • The bill includes an emergency declaration, making it effective from July 1, 2025.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The legislation primarily impacts public school teachers and students in Idaho. Teachers will be required to incorporate Bible readings into their daily routines, while students will have the option to opt-out based on parental requests.
  • Cultural and Educational Context: The bill reflects a belief that the Bible plays a crucial role in shaping public morality and education, drawing on historical practices in American schools.
  • Legal Considerations: The bill references past Supreme Court rulings regarding the constitutionality of school-sponsored Bible reading, suggesting a shift in legal interpretation that may support its enactment.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: February 6, 2025
  • Reported and Referred to Education Committee: February 7, 2025
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025, if passed

This summary provides an overview of House Bill H 162, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential implications for Idaho's public education system.

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

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