SB13 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Education, requires local boards of education to adopt rules requiring schools to play "the Star-Spangled Banner" during school hours at least once a week and also at school-sanctioned sporting events

Summary

SB 13 would require Alabama public schools to broadcast or permit performances of the Star-Spangled Banner at school sporting events and at least weekly during school hours.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, local boards of education must adopt policies requiring the Star-Spangled Banner to be broadcast at the start of each school-sponsored sporting event (with an exception to broadcast at only one event if multiple occur the same day) and to be played at least once per week during school hours at every public K-12 school. Schools may meet this by using Library of Congress recordings or by allowing performances from original sheet music by a school band or choir, or by attendees led by a principal-selected vocalist. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Local boards of education in Alabama, who must adopt policies implementing the requirement.
• Public K-12 students, school staff, and attendees at school events, who will experience or participate in the anthem broadcasts or performances.

Key Provisions

• Requires local boards to adopt policies to broadcast or sanction the Star-Spangled Banner at the start of each school-sponsored sporting event and at least once per week during school hours.
• Allows fulfillment via Library of Congress recordings or live performances using original sheet music by band or choir, or by attendees led by a principal-selected vocalist; includes an exception for broadcasting at only one event if multiple events occur the same day.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education