HB318 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve HurstRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Micky HammonMike HillRon JohnsonLesley Vance

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Schools, study of Congress to include opening prayer of session of Congress

Summary

HB318 would require Alabama public schools to devote up to 15 minutes at the start of each day to study how the United States Congress works, including a verbatim reading of an opening prayer.

What This Bill Does

The bill requires teachers to set aside up to 15 minutes at the start of the first class to teach the formal procedures of the U.S. Congress. The study must include, and may include, a verbatim reading of one opening prayer given by the House or Senate Chaplain or a guest clergy member. It applies to all grades in all Alabama public schools. It becomes law on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the governor.

Who It Affects

• Public school students in Alabama (all grades) who will participate in the daily instructional period.
• Public school teachers and administrators who will implement the instruction and manage the daily 15-minute period.
• Clergy and guest readers who may participate by delivering or reading an opening prayer during the study.

Key Provisions

• Establishes a daily instructional period, not to exceed 15 minutes, at the start of the first class to study the formal procedures of the United States Congress.
• The study must include, among other things, a verbatim reading of one opening prayer given by the House or Senate Chaplain or a guest member of the clergy at the beginning of a congressional meeting.
• Applies to all grades in all public schools in Alabama.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month following passage and governor 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

Education