US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB201

Introduced
1/9/23  

Caption

Voluntary School Prayer Protection Act of 2023 This bill prohibits the Department of Education (ED) from providing funding for public schools that restrict voluntary school prayer. Specifically, the bill prohibits ED from providing funds to state or local educational agencies with policies that deny, or effectively prevent, individuals from voluntarily participating in public school prayer that is constitutionally protected.

Impact

The implications of HB 201 are significant as it directly involves the funding mechanism of the Department of Education. By stipulating that schools will lose federal funds if they are found to deny or prevent voluntary prayer, the bill aligns federal educational policies with the rights recognized in the Constitution. This could compel educational institutions to reassess existing policies and practices regarding student-led prayer sessions and potentially review how they manage religious expression within the school environment.

Summary

House Bill 201, officially known as the Voluntary School Prayer Protection Act of 2023, seeks to address the issue of voluntary school prayer in public educational institutions. The primary objective of this legislation is to prevent any state or local educational agencies from imposing policies that would restrict or deny participation in constitutionally protected prayer within schools. If enacted, the bill would make it clear that compliance with federal funding requirements necessitates that schools respect students' rights to engage in voluntary prayer, provided it is constitutionally permitted.

Contention

There are considerable points of contention surrounding HB 201. Proponents argue that the legislation is necessary to protect religious freedoms in schools and ensure that students have the right to express their beliefs freely without institutional barriers. Critics, however, may raise concerns about the separation of church and state, suggesting that compulsory compliance with this bill could inadvertently blur the lines between religious practice and educational policy. There is fear that this may lead to conflicts within school policies on inclusivity and potentially alienate non-religious students or those from different faith backgrounds.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB370

Voluntary School Prayer Protection Act of 2025This bill prohibits the Department of Education (ED) from providing funding for public schools that restrict voluntary school prayer.Specifically, the bill prohibits ED from providing funds to state or local educational agencies with policies that deny, or effectively prevent, individuals from voluntarily participating in public school prayer that is constitutionally protected.

US HB149

Protecting Our Democracy by Preventing Foreign Citizens from Voting Act This bill prohibits federal funds from being made available to state or local governments that allow noncitizens to vote in federal, state, or local elections.

US HB117

This bill prohibits any entity that receives specified COVID-19 relief funds from mandating COVID-19 vaccines for its employees. An entity that violates this prohibition must return the funding it received.

US HB94

American Sovereignty and Species Protection Act This bill limits the protection of endangered or threatened species to species that are native to the United States. In addition, the bill prohibits certain funding for endangered or threatened species from being used to acquire lands, waters, or other interests in foreign countries.

US HB245

Breath of Fresh Air Act This bill establishes a grant program for local educational agencies to purchase, and train school personnel to use, nebulizers.

US S1018

Establishes registry allowing persons to voluntarily include names on list of individuals prohibited from owning firearm.

US HB31

Cover Outstanding Vulnerable Expansion-eligible Residents Now Act or the COVER Now Act This bill establishes a demonstration program to allow local governments to provide health benefits to the Medicaid expansion population in states that have not expanded Medicaid. Under the program, local governments may provide coverage for individuals who are newly eligible for Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (i.e., the Medicaid expansion population) for a maximum of 10 years, or until their respective states expand Medicaid. The bill provides a 100% federal matching rate for the first three years of program participation. The bill prohibits states from taking certain actions against participating localities, such as withholding funding, increasing taxes, or restricting provider participation. States that violate these requirements are subject to certain funding penalties.

US HB128

Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2023 This bill restricts federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. or any of its affiliates or clinics for one year. Specifically, it prohibits funding those entities unless they certify that the affiliates and clinics will not perform, and will not provide funds to entities that perform, abortions during that year. If the certification requirement is not met, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture must recoup any federal assistance received by those entities. However, the bill's funding restriction does not apply to abortions performed in cases of rape or incest or when necessary to resolve a physical condition that endangers a woman's life. The bill also provides additional funding for community health centers for the one-year period. These funds are subject to the same abortion-related restrictions and exceptions.

US HB1586

allowing the commissioner of the department of education to withhold funds from public schools if such schools are not providing special education services in compliance with state law.

US SB1737

Schools; prohibiting public school districts from offering a sex education class or program. Effective date. Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.