Requires principals and teachers of public schools to conduct two sentence oral recitation from Declaration of Independence before opening of school each day in grades three through 12; appropriates $10,000.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Auth and 7 co-sponsors

Public schools must start each day with an oral recitation of the Declaration of Independence for grades 3–12, supported by a $10,000 appropriation.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee

Summary of Bill A 5123 (New Jersey, 222nd Legislature)

Purpose and intent

The bill requires public school principals and teachers to conduct an oral recitation of the Declaration of Independence before the opening of each school day for students in grades 3 through 12.

It specifies an accompanying appropriation of $10,000 to support the implementation.

Key provisions and changes

Mandate: Each day, prior to the start of instruction, principals and teachers in public schools must lead an oral recitation of the Declaration of Independence for students in grades 3–12.

Scope: Applies to all public schools within the jurisdiction, affecting daily opening routines for the specified grade bands.

Content: Focuses on recitation of the text of the Declaration of Independence; the bill does not appear to specify accompanying discussion, analysis, or contextual education beyond the recitation itself.

Funding: An appropriation of $10,000 is provided to support the measure. The bill does not detail how the funds would be allocated or distributed among districts or schools.

Who is affected

Students: Public school students in grades 3–12 would participate in the daily oral recitation.

Educators: Principals and teachers responsible for initiating the school day would conduct or oversee the recitation.

School districts: District planning and daily opening routines would need to incorporate the recitation into the start of each school day.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status and timeline: The bill text indicates an ongoing requirement to be implemented at public schools, with the specified funding accompanying the measure. The bill does not provide a phased implementation schedule or deadlines beyond its establishment.

Compliance: Schools would need to establish procedures to ensure daily recitations occur consistently, including scheduling, time allocation, and potential modifications for certain days (e.g., non-instructional days) or special circumstances. The bill does not detail exemptions or accommodations.

Potential considerations and impacts

Educational impact: The requirement may increase daily instructional time and emphasize historical text literacy; it could influence school routines and culture.

Practical considerations: Schools may need guidance on length, exact wording of the recitation, and handling days with limited instructional time or assembly schedules.

Equity and inclusion: The policy would apply uniformly to grades 3–12, but considerations may arise regarding accessibility for students with accommodations or language needs.

Fiscal note: The $10,000 appropriation is relatively small; implementing districts may seek clarity on distribution and administrative costs.

Bill