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Committee advances SB5 proposing national anthem constitutional amendment amid objections to elevating it to the constitution
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Summary
Senator Allen's SB5, described as a national anthem bill directing local districts to develop policies, received a 6-3 favorable committee report. Some senators said the subject should be handled by statute rather than a constitutional amendment and asked the sponsor to consider an amendment.
Senator Allen introduced SB5 to the Education Policy Committee, describing it as the "national anthem bill" and saying local superintendents and boards would develop policies under the measure. Senator Allen told the committee the proposal is a constitutional amendment.
Some committee members praised the sponsor's engagement but said they were uncomfortable making the policy part of the State Constitution. Senator Smitherman said his concern was not the policy itself but its placement in the constitution: "my personal position is that I think I can support what you're trying to do here from a statutory standpoint, struggling with the fact that we're talking about a constitutional amendment," he said.
The committee moved for a favorable report and conducted a roll-call vote; the Chair announced SB5 received a favorable committee report with a 6-3 tally. After adjournment, a senator asked whether Senator Allen would accept an amendment to make the measure statutory rather than a constitutional amendment; Senator Allen indicated he would consider amendments, and members discussed options, including the possibility of adding additional anthem language.
Next steps: SB5 was reported favorably and will move forward; committee discussion indicated the sponsor may accept or pursue an amendment to change the measure's statutory approach before it advances.
