HB35 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tracy EstesRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to religious expression; to amend Section 16-1-20.3, Code of Alabama 1975; to require a local board of education to provide certain school resources to students to facilitate student-led prayer.

Summary

HB35 would require Alabama local boards of education to provide resources to support student-led prayer at school events.

What This Bill Does

It would amend Section 16-1-20.3 to require boards to provide resources such as microphones or public-address systems to help students lead prayers at school-related events. It would allow non-sectarian, non-proselytizing student-initiated prayer at assemblies, sports events, graduations, and other school activities, and let student prayer leaders use school equipment to reach attendees. It would prohibit local boards or athletic/other associations from prohibiting, impeding, or deterring such student-led prayer. It would state that these rights are protected but do not imply government endorsement, and the act would take effect on the first day of the third month after it becomes law.

Who It Affects

• Students who lead prayers or participate in student-led prayer, who may use school resources to conduct and communicate the prayer at events.
• Local boards of education and school-related associations, which must provide resources and cannot block or discourage student-led prayers.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 16-1-20.3 to require boards to provide school resources to facilitate student-led prayer.
• Permits non-sectarian, non-proselytizing student-initiated prayer at specified school events and allows use of school property to communicate the prayer.
• Prohibits boards and athletic/other associations from prohibiting, impeding, or deterring such prayers.
• Affirms free speech and free exercise rights while clarifying no endorsement by the state, with an effective date tied to governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education, school resources to facilitate student-led prayer, permitted