Committee advances amendment to require teaching of religion's positive impacts in American history

Chair explained an untimely amendment to House Bill 18-22 that would authorize local education agencies, public charter schools, public school teachers and faculty at public institutions of higher education to provide instruction on the positive impacts of religion in American history. The amendment lists specific historical examples to be included, such as the Pilgrims and the Mayflower Compact, references to divine authority in the Declaration of Independence, roles of the Great Awakenings, religious influences on the Constitution, the role of the Ten Commandments in American legal tradition, religion's impact on the civil rights movement, and the history of the national motto and pledge language. The chair said the provision would apply beginning the 2627 academic year and every year thereafter.

Representative Johnson criticized the bill and its label in committee, saying, "I see that we're calling this bill the charlie kirk american heritage act and I've seen a lot of charlie kirk bills," and questioned whether naming and the content would advance civic education or push a particular ideology. The chair responded that the aim is to encourage debate and discernment. Representative Hirt moved the previous question; the clerk recorded 5 ayes and 1 no, and the bill as amended moved to full education.

Why it matters: supporters described the amendment as permitting instruction on historical religious influences; critics warned the change could inject ideology into K–12 and higher-education curricula. The committee adopted the amendment and sent the amended bill to the full Education Committee, recorded 5–1.