House Bill 1181

AN ACT TO ENACT THE "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 60 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 "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, 2024.