HB 2707
Initials CH/MR Page 1 House Engrossed
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-fifth Legislature
Second Regular Session
House: ED DP 8-1-1-0
HB 2707: public schools; moment of silence
Sponsor: Representative Hernandez A, LD 3
House Engrossed
Overview
Requires school districts and charter schools (schools) to set aside a time each school day for
students to engage in a moment of silence.
History
Statute authorizes school district governing boards to require a period of silence be observed at
the commencement of the first class of the day. Should a school district governing board require
a period of silence to be observed, teachers are required to announce that the period of silence
is, at most, one minute and will be observed for meditation. No activities may take place during
this time and silence must be maintained (A.R.S. § 15-342).
Schools are required to set aside a specific time each day for students who wish to recite the
Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag (A.R.S. § 15-506).
Provisions
1. Mandates schools set aside between one to two minutes at the beginning of each school day
for students in kindergarten programs and the 1st-12th grades to engage in a moment of
silence. (Sec. 1)
2. Specifies students may not interfere with other students participating in the moment of silence.
(Sec. 1)
3. Prohibits a teacher or other school employee from suggesting the nature of any reflection in
which a student may engage during the moment of silence. (Sec. 1)
4. Directs a teacher of a class in which a moment of silence occurs to encourage parents to
discuss with their children how to best use the moment of silence. (Sec. 1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note