Committee introduces RS 31972 C1 to authorize sequential Bible readings in public schools; some members oppose introduction

Representative Jordan Redmond (District 3, Kootenai County) presented RS 31972 C1, titled the "Bible Reading Act," saying it "creates a statewide policy to read sequential passages from the Bible in their classroom without instruction or comment."

Blaine Kinzotti, introduced as president of the Idaho Family Policy Center and a sponsor representative in the hearing, described the measure's historical basis. Kinzotti recounted that Idaho enacted a 1925 law (House Bill 69) requiring in‑school Bible reading and that a 1926 attorney-general opinion supported the practice. He argued recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions changed the legal test for establishment-clause analysis from the Lemon test to a "history and tradition" approach and that RS 31972 C1 was drafted to fit that standard. "In recent years, we've seen a massive shift in establishment clause jurisprudence... In the 2022 Kennedy versus Bremerton school district case, the U.S. Supreme Court abandoned the lemon test," Kinzotti said.

The draft language in the RS includes findings on historical practice, a policy instruction to school districts (Title 33, section 16 o 4 b in the draft), conscience protections for teachers and students who object, and an enforcement mechanism limited to injunctive relief. Kinzotti emphasized: "We provide reasonable accommodations for teachers or students that don't want to participate... there's no criminal or civil penalties involved."

Committee members asked procedural and constitutional questions. Representative Garner asked whether the state attorney general had been consulted; staff replied that the Attorney General's office is not issuing public opinions at this time. Representative Nelson stated a constitutional objection on principle: "To me this picks a particular religion's Bible and I am not for advancing this." Representative Clow said he would support introduction despite serious reservations so the public can weigh in. Representative Sauter and Representative Clas also expressed concern and said they would introduce but reserve judgment for a full hearing.

Representative Hawkins moved to introduce RS 31972 C1; the motion passed on a voice vote and the RS was introduced for printing and a later full hearing. Because the RS was introduced rather than enacted, the measure's legal effect will depend on later drafting, fiscal review, public testimony and any judicial challenges.