To amend sections 3313.602, 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 and to enact section 3313.6031 of the Revised Code to enact The Pledge of Allegiance Act to require the Pledge of Allegiance in schools.
Summary
HB117, titled the Pledge of Allegiance Act, would require each city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school district to adopt a policy establishing a time and manner for the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. The bill states that participation cannot be required and that no student may be intimidated into participating, while also prohibiting schools and employees from altering the pledge’s words as set out in federal law. It also encourages schools and teachers to develop lessons about the American flag and the pledge, and requires district policies to be posted publicly, including on a district website if available.
The bill also amends existing school-law provisions to preserve and reinforce current requirements related to patriotic observances and school governance. It retains the existing requirement that schools devote time on or about Veterans’ Day to an observance explaining the day’s meaning, and it leaves in place broader curriculum language about democracy and ethics. In addition, the bill updates cross-references in the community school, STEM school, and college-preparatory boarding school statutes so those schools remain subject to the new pledge policy and related compliance provisions as part of their broader legal obligations.
Impact
HB117 would change Ohio law by creating a new section of the Revised Code requiring school districts to adopt a daily pledge policy and by amending related sections governing traditional public schools, community schools, STEM schools, and college-preparatory boarding schools. The practical effect is to make the pledge a required policy topic for districts and to extend compliance references to chartered community schools, STEM schools, and boarding schools, while preserving student nonparticipation rights and anti-coercion protections. It would also require public posting of district pledge policies and reinforce existing patriotic and civic-education obligations in school law.
Sentiment
Because the bill was only introduced and has no recorded committee votes or hearing transcripts in the provided materials, there is no documented legislative debate or vote history to gauge formal sentiment. The bill’s framing suggests support from sponsors and cosponsors for a stronger emphasis on patriotism, civic identity, and daily school observance of the pledge. At the same time, the inclusion of explicit language protecting student choice and constitutional rights indicates an effort to address likely concerns about compelled speech and student coercion.
Contention
The main likely point of contention is whether the state should require districts to adopt a daily pledge policy at all, especially in light of constitutional concerns about compelled participation and free-speech rights. The bill attempts to limit that concern by making participation voluntary and prohibiting intimidation, but opponents could still object to the state mandating a pledge policy and encouraging related classroom instruction. Another possible area of concern is the bill’s application to chartered community schools, STEM schools, and boarding schools through broad statutory cross-references, which expands the policy beyond traditional districts.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3505.01 and 3505.10 of the Revised Code to modify the deadline for a political party to certify its nominees for President and Vice-President to the Secretary of State.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Secretary of State for the 2024 general election.
Relating to the authority of the Wood County Central Hospital District of Wood County, Texas, to provide brain and memory care services to residents of the hospital district through the creation and operation of brain and memory health care services districts.