2013 Senate Bill 120

Authorize public school “American heritage” instruction without religious censorship

Introduced in the Senate

Jan. 30, 2013

Introduced by Sen. Patrick Colbeck (R-7)

To require school districts to “permit” grade-level instruction and reading of “America's founding documents” including those related to the country’s “representative form of limited government, the Bill of Rights, our free-market economic system, and patriotism.” School districts would be prohibited from censoring or restraining reading that includes “religious references in original source documents, writings, speeches, proclamations, or records”.

Referred to the Committee on Education

Nov. 14, 2013

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 10, 2013

Substitute offered

The substitute passed by voice vote

Dec. 11, 2013

Amendment offered by Sen. Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D-8)

To replace the bill's recommended lessons with language encouraging schools adopt one "citizenship" training programs such as those promoted by several named organizations.

The amendment failed 9 to 27 (details)

Passed in the Senate 27 to 9 (details)

Received in the House

Dec. 11, 2013

Referred to the Committee on Education

March 19, 2014

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.