HB299 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Duwayne Bridges

Republican

Co-Sponsors

John MerrillJim BartonMike MillicanChad FincherRichard J. LairdHoward SanderfordKerry RichAlan HarperSteve McMillanRon JohnsonJamie IsonMicky HammonAlan BootheDickie DrakeAlvin HolmesRandy DavisMike HillBarry MooreBarry MaskVictor GastonMike HubbardDavid StandridgeMike BallDavid SessionsLesley VanceJohnny Mack MorrowBecky NordgrenKen JohnsonWes LongPaul W. LeeJim CarnsApril WeaverLynn GreerMary Sue McClurkinK.L. BrownThad McClammyElaine BeechKurt WallaceMac McCutcheonEd HenryJoe Faust

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Ten Commandments, display of on state property and at public schools, authorized, const. amend.

Summary

HB299 would propose a constitutional amendment to allow the display of the Ten Commandments on state property and on property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies, with related religious freedom protections and a ban on using public funds to defend the amendment.

What This Bill Does

It would authorize the Ten Commandments to be displayed on state property and on property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies, as long as the display complies with constitutional rules and can be integrated with historical or educational items. It would protect individuals' right to worship according to their conscience and prohibit forcing anyone to attend or support worship or to pay for ministers. It would also ensure civil and political rights are not diminished or enlarged by a person's religious beliefs, and it would ban public funds from defending the amendment in court. An election would be held to vote on the amendment.

Who It Affects

• State and public schools or public bodies would be allowed to display the Ten Commandments on their property and property they own or administer.
• All residents of Alabama would retain freedom of religion and conscience; no one could be forced to attend or support worship, and rights tied to religion could not be unfairly diminished or enlarged.

Key Provisions

• Property owned by the state or by public schools/public bodies may be used to display the Ten Commandments, and such displays must meet constitutional requirements and may be intermingled with historical or educational items.
• Every person has the liberty to worship according to conscience; no one can be compelled to attend or contribute to a place of worship or to support a minister.
• Civil and political rights, privileges, and capacities cannot be diminished or enlarged based on a person's religious beliefs.
• Public funds may not be spent defending the constitutionality of this amendment.
• An election will be held to vote on the proposed amendment, with ballot language provided for Yes/No.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments