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 are offered this opportunity at the beginning of the school day. Importantly, the bill clarifies that students cannot be compelled to recite the pledge, stand during its recitation, or salute the American flag.

Additionally, the bill provides immunity from liability for any issues arising from the recitation of the pledge of allegiance. It also makes several changes to the language regarding student-initiated prayer and religious speech, ensuring that students have the same rights to engage in religious expression as they do for secular speech. The amendments include the removal of previous provisions that allowed schools to authorize the recitation of the pledge, replacing them with a requirement for schools to offer this opportunity to students.

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