The bill amends sections 15.1-09-33 and 15.1-19-03.1 of the North Dakota Century Code to establish a requirement for public school students to have the opportunity to voluntarily recite the pledge of allegiance each morning. Specifically, it mandates that each school district adopt a policy ensuring that all students can participate in the recitation, while also clarifying that students cannot be compelled to recite the pledge, stand during its recitation, or salute the American flag. The previous provision allowing schools to authorize the recitation has been deleted, and the new language emphasizes the requirement for schools to offer this opportunity.

Additionally, the bill modifies the language regarding student participation in religious speech and prayer, ensuring that students can engage in such activities to the same extent as they can with secular speech. It also allows school boards to permit a moment of silence for meditation, reflection, or prayer at the beginning of the school day. The changes aim to enhance students' rights to express their beliefs while maintaining a clear framework for the recitation of the pledge of allegiance in public schools.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 15.1-09-33, 15.1-09-33.5, 15.1-19-03.1
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Novak: 15.1-09-33, 15.1-19-03.1
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 15.1-09-33, 15.1-19-03.1
Enrollment: 15.1-09-33, 15.1-19-03.1