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Bill

HB 1105

require the display of the state seal or motto in public school classrooms.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bobbi Andera and 15 co-sponsors

South Dakota HB 1105 requires public school classrooms display the state seal or motto, but narrowly failed in the full House (30-38) after passing committee amendments.

House of Representatives Do Pass Amended , Passed, YEAS 30, NAYS 38 H.J. 256
#education #litigation #schools
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Bill Summary · HB 1105

Legislative bill overview

HB 1105 requires South Dakota public school classrooms to display the state seal or state motto. The bill passed the House Education committee with amendments but narrowly failed in the full House chamber (30-38 vote), indicating significant legislative disagreement.

Why is this important

This bill touches on questions about state identity, patriotism, and appropriate classroom environments. Such requirements affect how schools use wall space and potentially influence the messaging and atmosphere in learning environments where students spend significant daily time.

Potential points of contention

  • Separation of church and state concerns: South Dakota's state motto is "Under God," which some argue amounts to religious speech in publicly-funded classrooms, potentially conflicting with constitutional protections against government-sponsored religious expression
  • Classroom space and educational priorities: Schools have limited bulletin board and wall space; opponents may view this mandate as redirecting resources from educational materials to state symbolism
  • Selective patriotism debate: Questions about whether displaying state symbols meaningfully promotes civic engagement versus serving as performative governance that doesn't address substantive educational outcomes
  • Implementation costs: Printing, framing, and installing materials across all public school classrooms statewide carries financial implications for school budgets

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

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