MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2023 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Senator(s) Frazier

Senate Bill 2056

AN ACT TO ENACT THE KATHRYN OREY PERRY PERIOD OF QUIET REFLECTION ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 37-13-8, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT IN EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL CLASSROOM, THE LOCAL SCHOOL GOVERNING BOARD SHALL REQUIRE A BRIEF PERIOD OF QUIET REFLECTION FOR NOT MORE THAN SIXTY SECONDS AT THE OPENING OF EVERY SCHOOL DAY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Kathryn Orey Perry Period of Quiet Reflection Act."

     SECTION 2.  Section 37-13-8, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     37-13-8.  (1)  In each public school classroom, the local school governing board * * * may authorize shall require a brief period of quiet reflection for not more than sixty (60) seconds at the opening of school upon every school day.

     (2)  The moment of quiet reflection * * * authorized required by subsection (1) of this section is not intended to be and shall not be conducted as a religious service or exercise but is considered an opportunity for a moment of silent reflection.

     SECTION 3.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2023.