Senate approves constitutional amendment requiring weekly broadcast or sanctioned performance of Star‑Spangled Banner in K–12 schools

The Alabama Senate on April 17, 2025 adopted Senate Bill 13, a proposed constitutional amendment that would require each local board of education to adopt a policy ensuring each 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. The Senate adopted cloture and passed the measure 26 yeas to 6 nays.

Sponsor Senator Allen described the historical background of Francis Scott Key’s “Defense of Fort McHenry,” detailed the anthem’s evolution into the national anthem, and read letters from students in support of school exposure to the anthem. Allen read student classroom responses into the record, noting many students said weekly exposure would help teach the anthem’s history and inspire patriotism.

Under the proposed constitutional amendment text the local board may broadcast an archived recording of the first stanza from the Library of Congress or permit a school‑sanctioned band, chorus or soloist to perform the first stanza. The amendment would be submitted to the voters in accordance with constitution sections governing proposed amendments and ballot summaries.

Supporters framed the amendment as educational and civic; proponents emphasized the measure is limited to the first stanza and to school hours. Opponents raised concerns about government‑mandated displays in schools and the implications for diverse student populations; debate included discussion about sensitivity and modification to the language so that the requirement focuses on the first stanza.

The bill text instructs the code commissioner to place the amendment appropriately in the constitution and to make non‑substantive style edits for the ballot. The final passage was recorded in the Senate journal and the amendment will be placed on the ballot if the constitutionally required process is completed.