S.B. 223 Enrolled

1

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AMENDMENTS
2 2012 GENERAL SESSION
3 STATE OF UTAH
4 Chief Sponsor: Aaron Osmond
5 House Sponsor: Bill Wright
6
7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill modifies a provision relating to the recitation of the pledge of allegiance in
10 public schools.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This bill:
13 . modifies requirements for reciting the pledge of allegiance in public schools.
14 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
15 None
16 Other Special Clauses:
17 None
18 Utah Code Sections Affected:
19 AMENDS:
20 53A-13-101.6, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 382
21
22 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
23 Section 1. Section 53A-13-101.6 is amended to read:
24 53A-13-101.6. Instruction on the flag of the United States of America.
25 (1) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
26 State Board of Education shall provide by rule for a program of instruction within the public
27 schools relating to the flag of the United States.
28 (2) The instruction shall include the history of the flag, etiquette, customs pertaining to
29 the display and use of the flag, and other patriotic exercises as provided by [Sections 36] 4

30 U.S.C. Secs. [170 to 177] 1 to 10.
31 (3) (a) The pledge of allegiance to the flag shall be recited[: (i)] once at the beginning
32 of [the] each day in each [elementary] public school classroom in the state[; and], led by a
33 student in the classroom, as assigned by the classroom teacher on a rotating basis.
34 [(ii) once a week at the beginning of a school day in each public secondary school in
35 the state.]
36 (b) Each student shall be informed by posting a notice in a conspicuous place that the
37 student has the right not to participate in reciting the pledge.
38 (c) A student shall be excused from reciting the pledge upon written request from the
39 student's parent or legal guardian.
40 (d) (i) At least once a year students shall be instructed that:
41 (A) participation in the pledge of allegiance is voluntary and not compulsory; and
42 (B) not only is it acceptable for someone to choose not to participate in the pledge of
43 allegiance for religious or other reasons, but students should show respect for any student who
44 chooses not to participate.
45 (ii) A public school teacher shall strive to maintain an atmosphere among students in
46 the classroom that is consistent with the principles described in Subsection (3)(d)(i).