Committee adopts substituted HB 511 to require daily pledge and allow brief prayer in K–12 schools; public commenters warn of constitutional and funding risks

The State Government Committee adopted a substitute to HB 511 and then passed the substituted measure after a roll-call vote. Representative Ingram, who presented the substitute, described it as a constitutional amendment that would require local boards of education to adopt a policy that (1) conducts the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the first class each school day and allows students to voluntarily recite it, and (2) permits a brief prayer or Bible reading (live or pre-recorded) provided no student may be required to recite it.

Public commenters told the committee the proposal raised constitutional concerns and could coerce districts and students. Kierra Berks, speaking for Project Say Something and identifying herself as a law student, cited the First Amendment and the 1797 Treaty of Tripoli (Article 11) to argue the federal government is not founded on Christianity, said tying funding to religious policy votes undermines neutrality, and asserted earlier versions of the legislation included a parent waiver that would have required parents to forgo legal claims (she said the waiver is unconstitutional). Stephanie Butler, a Vestavia Hills resident, and Kaylie Rathmell Alevy, a Mountain Brook resident, each said voluntary participation still creates peer pressure that can isolate students who opt out; Butler also described repeated instances of Bible instruction and Gideons visits in local schools.

Committee members debated the text and the penalty language. Several members asked whether the substitute still included a provision to withhold state funding (25% in earlier drafts). Representative Ingram said the substitute removed the parental-permission slip and that the clawback language remained in the bill as presented but could be reduced before floor action (he said it might be lowered to 12.5% or less). Representative Lance, Representative Lawrence and Dr. Boyd expressed concern that withholding significant funding could harm students and pressure local boards; others defended the measure as a return to tradition and argued participation would be voluntary.

The committee recorded a roll-call vote after discussion. The transcript records the following votes as read aloud: Bedsole yes; Dr. Boyd no; Chestnut yes (stating "I don't like it, but yes"); Keel yes; Kirkland yes; Lance no; Lawrence no; Paramore yes; Shaw yes; Stallings yes; Wood yes; Yarbro yes; Sales yes. The clerk announced the bill passed as substituted.

The public commenters urged the committee to prioritize First Amendment neutrality and avoid tying state funding to religious policy votes; several speakers warned the measure would invite litigation. Committee members acknowledged that court challenges were likely. The committee adjourned after passage.

What happens next: The substituted HB 511 will proceed to the next legislative steps; the transcript and commenters note litigation is expected if the measure advances as written.