REQUIRE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

TO BE OFFERED TO SCHOOLCHILDREN

Senate Bill 72

Sponsor:  Sen. Patricia L. Birkholz

House Committee:  Education

Senate Committee:  Education

Complete to 5-2-05

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 72 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 3-15-05

The bill would amend the Revised School Code to require the board of a school district, local act school district, or intermediate school district, or the board of directors of a public school academy, to ensure that the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States was offered each school day to students in the public schools the board operated.

A school board also could provide that the pledge of allegiance and/or the national anthem, as determined by the board, be offered at after-school events, including interscholastic athletic events, in at least grades nine to 12.

Under the bill, a student could not be compelled to recite the pledge against his or her objections or those of the pupil's parent or legal guardian, .

MCL 380.1304

FISCAL IMPACT:

This bill will have no fiscal impact on the state or local school districts.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Mary Ann Cleary

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.