Senate advances bill to require daily classroom recitation of Pledge; sponsor promises amendments for protections

Senator Osman introduced Senate Bill 223 to modify existing statute so that students in all grades would participate in the Pledge of Allegiance each day and a student in each classroom would be selected to lead the pledge. Osman said the change aims to increase engagement and civic understanding, particularly in some Title I schools where he observed limited participation.

The sponsor emphasized the change is an amendment to an existing statutory framework and that the bill would preserve students’ ability to opt out. Senator Hilliard and others urged that the sponsor publish his explanation to clarify intent; Senator Stevenson signaled he would prepare an amendment to reinforce respect for religious or other nonparticipation. Senator Wyler cited teacher feedback and asked for clarifications, including what the penalties for noncompliance would be; Osman said no punitive compulsory component is intended.

Pro‑Tem Senator Robles expressed support, saying the measure could increase civic engagement and respect for the flag across schools. Senator O'Meara voiced caution that mandating classroom recitation for every class could dilute respect if it becomes rote time taken away from instruction; he invited additional public comment before third reading.

The Senate voted to move SB223 to third reading and placed it at the bottom of the third‑reading calendar (26 yeas, 0 nays, 3 absent). The sponsor said he anticipates amendments will be offered on third reading to address accommodations and drafting concerns.