ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature Second Regular Session
	House: ED DP 8-1-1-0 | 3rd Read 47-12-1-0 Senate: ED DP 6-2-0-0 | 3rd Read 16-11-3-0

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HB 2707: public schools; moment of silence

Sponsor: Representative Hernandez A, LD 3

Transmitted to the Governor

Overview

Requires school districts and charter schools (schools) to set aside a time each school day for students to engage in a moment of silence.

History

Statute authorizes school district governing boards to require a period of silence be observed at the commencement of the first class of the day. Should a school district governing board require a period of silence to be observed, teachers are required to announce that the period of silence is, at most, one minute and will be observed for meditation. No activities may take place during this time and silence must be maintained (A.R.S. § 15-342).

Schools are required to set aside a specific time each day for students who wish to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag (A.R.S. § 15-506).

Provisions

1. Mandates schools set aside between one to two minutes at the beginning of each school day for students in kindergarten programs and the 1st-12th grades to engage in a moment of silence. (Sec. 1)

2. Specifies students may not interfere with other students participating in the moment of silence. (Sec. 1)

3. Prohibits a teacher or other school employee from suggesting the nature of any reflection in which a student may engage during the moment of silence. (Sec. 1)

4. Directs a teacher of a class in which a moment of silence occurs to encourage parents to discuss with their children how to best use the moment of silence. (Sec. 1)

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8.                   HB 2707

9. Initials CH/MR      Page 0 Transmitted

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