Senate Bill 2007

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 37-13-8, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS TO PROVIDE FOR THE OBSERVANCE OF ONE MINUTE OF QUIET REFLECTION AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH SCHOOL DAY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. 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 shall provide for the observance of one (1) minute of silence at each school in the district at the opening of school upon every school day. During the one-minute period, each student may, as the student chooses, reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in any other silent activity that is not likely to interfere with or distract another student. Each teacher or other school employee in charge of students during that period shall ensure that each of those students remains silent and does not act in a manner that is likely to interfere with or distract another student. This subsection is applicable beginning with the 2010-2011 school year.

(2) The moment of quiet reflection authorized 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 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2010.