Bill Text: MS SB2579 | 2020 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: School prayer; require school boards to designate a period of reflection in which prayer shall be allowed.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Failed) 2020-03-03 - Died In Committee [SB2579 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2020-SB2579-Introduced.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2020 Regular Session
To: Education
By: Senator(s) Barnett
Senate Bill 2579
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-13-8, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS TO DESIGNATE A PERIOD OF REFLECTION AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH SCHOOL DAY IN WHICH STUDENTS AND STAFF MAY VOLUNTARILY GATHER FOR PRAYER; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 37-13-8, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
37-13-8. (1) * * * The local
school governing board * * * may authorize shall designate a brief period of * * * reflection * * * at the
opening of school upon every school day in which students and staff may
voluntarily gather for nonsectarian, nonproselytizing prayer.
(2) The * * * period of * * * reflection authorized by subsection (1)
of this section is not intended to be and shall not be conducted as a religious
service or exercise but is considered an opportunity for a moment of * * * reflection that comports with the
authority granted under Sections 37-13-4 and 37-13-4.1.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2020.