HB184 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Duwayne Bridges

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Richard J. LairdMike MillicanRandall SheddGreg Wren

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

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

Summary

This bill would propose a constitutional amendment to allow the Ten Commandments to be displayed on state property and on property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies, with related religious freedom protections.

What This Bill Does

It would authorize the display of the Ten Commandments on state property and on property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies, as part of a larger educational display. Displays would need to comply with constitutional requirements and could be intermingled with historical or educational items. It would protect individuals' right to worship according to conscience and prohibit forcing anyone to attend or support worship or to pay for ministers. It would prohibit public funds from being used to defend the amendment's constitutionality and would set an election date to vote on it.

Who It Affects

• Public schools and public bodies (state property) that would be allowed to display the Ten Commandments on their grounds or facilities, within the bounds of constitutional rules.
• All Alabama residents, especially individuals with religious beliefs, by strengthening protections for worship and religion and ensuring civil and political rights are not tied to religious beliefs.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the state to display the Ten Commandments on state property and on property owned or administered by public schools or public bodies.
• Requires displays to comply with constitutional requirements and allows intermingling with historical or educational items.
• Affirms freedom of religion: no one shall be compelled to attend or contribute to worship or to support a minister.
• Prohibits the expenditure of public funds in defense of the amendment's constitutionality and sets an election date for approval.

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