This bill mandates that public schools, including charter schools and innovation zone schools, display the national motto of the United States and the state motto of Iowa prominently in their main entryways or in other visible locations as determined by the school. Additionally, it requires that each school day begins with two minutes of silent time for students, which is to be observed before the recitation of the pledge of allegiance in grades one through twelve.

The bill introduces new legal language that specifies the requirements for displaying the mottos and the silent time practice. Specifically, it adds provisions to sections 256E.7 and 256F.4, ensuring that charter schools comply with the same display requirements as school districts and mandating silent time at the start of each school day. Furthermore, it amends section 280.5 to include the silent time immediately before the pledge of allegiance, reinforcing the importance of this practice in the daily routine of students.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256E.7, 279.87, 256F.4, 1A.1