SB238 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, to require local boards of education to adopt policies requiring each K-12 public school to broadcast or sanction the performance of The Star-Spangled Banner at least once per week during school hours.

Summary

SB238 would amend the Alabama Constitution to require local boards of education to ensure every K-12 public school broadcasts or sanctions a performance of the first stanza of The Star-Spangled Banner at least once per week during school hours.

What This Bill Does

It would require local boards to adopt policies directing each public K-12 school under their control to broadcast or have a performance of the first stanza at least weekly. If it is not played Monday through Thursday, it must be played Friday morning. Schools would either use a Library of Congress recording or host a live performance by a school-sanctioned band, chorus, or soloist using original sheet music from the Library of Congress. The measure would be put to voters in a statewide election to amend the Constitution, and if approved, the amendment would be added to the Constitution with possible non-substantive editorial changes afterward.

Who It Affects

• Public K-12 students in Alabama, who would hear a weekly performance or broadcast of the Star-Spangled Banner during school hours.
• Local boards of education and public schools, which must adopt and enforce policies, choose how to broadcast or perform the anthem, and determine the scheduling (including potential Friday morning performances).

Key Provisions

• Requires local boards of education to adopt a policy requiring each K-12 public school to broadcast or sanction the first stanza of The Star-Spangled Banner at least once per week during school hours.
• If not played or broadcast Monday through Thursday, the Banner must be played or broadcast on Friday morning.
• Boards may use either a Library of Congress recording or allow a school-sanctioned live performance using original sheet music from the Library of Congress.
• Upon ratification, the Code Commissioner shall place the amendment in the Constitution and may make nonsubstantive editorial revisions; the amendment would become part of the Constitution after a statewide vote.

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

Subjects

Public K-12 Education, Star-Spangled Banner to be broadcast each week during instructional hours, constitutional amendment