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Committee advances bill that would add Bible to K–12 curriculum and allow voluntary prayer; public commenters oppose funding and constitutional risks
Summary
HB 14‑91 would permit voluntary vocal prayer in public schools and require the Bible to be taught as history and literature in K–12 curricula at the next curriculum review; public commenters warned of constitutional and funding consequences and urged the committee to reject the measure.
Sponsor Representative Bolesale introduced HB 14‑91 as a measure to restore voluntary vocal prayer to public schools and to "include teaching of the Bible k through 12 as history and literature" while preserving an opt‑out for parents. The sponsor said the bill is consistent with recent Supreme Court precedent and sought to align state practice with current rulings.
Two public commenters opposed the proposal. Johanna Cohen (S28) raised constitutional concerns and cited the fiscal note, saying the bill sets aside $471,000 over two years while risking loss of federal education funds: "This bill should not move forward." Macy Fluharty (S29) argued the measure would make schools less safe for students of different backgrounds and add burdens on already stretched teachers. The committee adopted the amendment and moved the bill to Education; the roll call showed 14 ayes and 4 nos on the recorded motion cited in committee.
