The proposed bill would amend current statutes by mandating that the deliberative governing body of public schools and educational institutions in Arizona allow any member to provide an invocation at meetings, provided they request this at least 48 hours in advance. This new requirement would be added to Title 15, Chapter 1, Article 1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes as Section 15-120.08. The bill also specifies the entities that constitute the deliberative governing body, including school district governing boards, charter school governing bodies, and the Arizona Board of Regents, among others.

Additionally, the bill outlines restrictions on the nature of the invocation, prohibiting any invocation that seeks to proselytize or disparage any faith, or that coerces participation from observers. It defines "invocation" as a prayer or similar address meant to open a meeting. The bill includes a legislative findings clause that emphasizes the quasi-legislative nature of these governing bodies and their responsibilities, reinforcing the context in which invocations would be permitted.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-120.08
House Engrossed Version: 15-120.08