Bill Text: PA HB820 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: In terms and courses of study, providing for use of historical writings, documents and records with religious references in public schools.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 44-12)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2009-03-10 - Referred to EDUCATION [HB820 Detail]

Download: Pennsylvania-2009-HB820-Introduced.html

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PRINTER'S NO. 927
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 820 Session of2009
INTRODUCED BY STERN, MILLARD, READSHAW, ROHRER, SWANGER, PALLONE, KILLION, TRUE, PICKETT, BAKER, MILLER, WATSON, BEYER, VULAKOVICH, HENNESSEY, QUINN, FLECK, REICHLEY, DENLINGER, SAYLOR, KULA, O'NEILL, GEIST, MARSHALL, PHILLIPS, ARGALL, PAYNE, HARHAI, CUTLER, PYLE, LONGIETTI, GINGRICH, BEAR, CAUSER, CLYMER, MOUL, YOUNGBLOOD, KAUFFMAN, KORTZ, SIPTROTH, SEIP, K. SMITH, TALLMAN, ROAE, J. TAYLOR, BOYD, MILNE, ROCK, HESS, M. KELLER, McGEEHAN, RAPP, MURT, HARPER AND GIBBONS, MARCH 10, 2009
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, MARCH 10, 2009
AN ACT
Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
act relating to the public school system, including certain
provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
laws relating thereto," in terms and courses of study,
providing for use of historical writings, documents and
records with religious references in public schools.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known
as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding a
section to read:
Section 1511.2. Use of Historical Writings, Documents and
Records With Religious References in Public Schools.--(a) In
conformance with provisions of 22 Pa. Code Ch. 4 (relating to
academic standards and assessment), a board of school directors
in a school district may allow and encourage any teacher or
administrator in the school district to read or post in a public
school building or classroom or during any school-sponsored or
school-related event any excerpts or portions of the following:
(1) The Preamble to the Constitution of Pennsylvania.
(2) The Declaration of Independence.
(3) The Constitution of the United States.
(4) The Mayflower Compact.
(5) The national motto.
(6) The National Anthem.
(7) The Pledge of Allegiance.
(8) The writings, speeches, documents and proclamations of
the founding fathers and presidents of the United States.
(9) Organic documents from the pre-Colonial, Colonial,
Revolutionary, Federalist and post-Federalist eras.
(10) United States Supreme Court decisions.
(11) Acts of the Congress of the United States, including
the published text of the Congressional Record.
(b) There shall be no content-based censorship of American
history or heritage in this Commonwealth based on religious or
other references in the writings, documents and records
enumerated in subsection (a).
(c) The Secretary of Education shall distribute a copy of
this section immediately to each board of school directors.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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