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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
schools; pledge of allegiance; requirement
Purpose
Requires each student in kindergarten and grades 1 through 12 to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. flag (Pledge of Allegiance), unless excused as outlined.
Background
A school district or charter school must: 1) acquire U.S. flags that are at least two feet by three feet and manufactured in the United States; 2) display a U.S. flag in each classroom and on or near the outside of the school building during school hours and any other time as directed by school authorities; 3) place a legible copy of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights adjacent to each 7th through 12th grade classroom's U.S. flag; 4) set aside a specific time each day for students who wish to recite the Pledge of Allegiance; and 5) set aside between one and two minutes at the beginning of each day for students to engage in a moment of silence. Private schools, parochial schools and homeschools are exempt from these requirements (A.R.S. § 15-506).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires each school district and charter school student in a kindergarten program or grades 1 through 12 to recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the specific time set aside by the school district or charter school.
2. Exempts a student from the requirement to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the request of:
a) the student's parent; or
b) the student, if the student is at least 18 years old.
3. Specifies that the requirement for a school district or charter school to set aside a specific time each day for students who wish to recite the Pledge of Allegiance applies to students in a kindergarten program and grades 1 through 12.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
ED 2/7/23 DP 6-4-0-0
3rd Read 2/21/23 31-29-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 20, 2023
LB/KT/slp