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Committee advances Senate Bill 19 on moments of silence and "moral instruction" after debate
Summary
The House Appropriations and Revenue Committee approved Senate Bill 19 as amended (PHS 1), a measure establishing moments of silence and permitting "moral instruction" and release time in schools, by a 15-3-1 vote after members debated research and practical implications.
The Kentucky House Committee on Appropriations and Revenue on March 13, 2025, voted to report Senate Bill 19, which establishes a moment of silence and permits a narrowly defined "moral instruction" release time in schools, as amended by PHS 1.
Sponsor Senator Rick Girdler introduced the measure; Representative Dan Fester and Rabbi Schlomov of the Kentucky Jewish Council also appeared as supporters during the committee hearing. The committee adopted PHS 1 before debate and then voted on the amended bill.
Committee members questioned the bill's scope and evidence. Representative Bojanowski asked for specific research supporting claims that a moment of silence reduces student aggression; Girdler deferred detailed policy debate to education committees and said he could provide studies from New York, Ohio and Florida before the floor vote. The sponsor's explanation to the committee was framed as fiscal and implementation concerns rather than instruction on curricular policy.
Members also asked how "moral instruction" release time would affect regular classroom instruction. A committee exchange clarified that the bill does not require general-education classes to pause when some students leave for approved moral instruction; those operational details would be left to districts. Committee discussion also addressed potential logistical issues in secondary schools, where block scheduling can complicate release time.
Representative Bojanowski announced a recorded no vote, and Representative Gentry also recorded a "no" on the roll; Representative Riley passed when called and later explained he supported a moment of silence but had concerns about the moral instruction provisions. Chair Jeff Petrie announced that Senate Bill 19, as amended, "having received 15 yes votes, 3 no votes, and 1 pass vote will be reported with favorable expression."
The committee also adopted a title amendment and rolled it into the amended bill. The measure will proceed to the full House for floor consideration.
