HLS 12RS-1036 ORIGINAL
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE BILL NO. 436
BY REPRESENTATIVE HARRISON
CURRICULA: Requires instruction on the Founding Principles of the U.S. to be integrated
into the high school American history course
AN ACT1
To enact R.S. 17:264 and 3996(B)(30), relative to required instruction in public schools; to2
require certain public school governing authorities to provide instruction on certain3
aspects of American history; to provide for guidelines pertaining to such instruction;4
and to provide for related matters.5
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:6
Section 1. This Act shall be known as the "Founding Principles Act".7
Section 2. R.S. 17:264 and 3996(B)(30) are hereby enacted to read as follows: 8
§264. The Founding Principles of the United States of America; required instruction9
A. The governing authority of each public school which offers a course in10
American history as a prerequisite to graduation shall integrate into such course11
instruction regarding the Founding Principles of the United States of America.12
B. Such instruction shall include but need not be limited to providing students13
with information on the following:14
(1) The Creator-endowed inalienable rights of the people.15
(2) Structure of government, separation of powers with checks and balances.16
(3) Frequent and free elections in a representative government.17
(4) Rule of law.18
(5) Equal justice under the law.19
(6) Private property rights.20 HLS 12RS-1036 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 436
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are additions.
(7) Federalism.1
(8) Due process.2
(9) Individual rights as set forth in the Bill of Rights.3
(10) Individual responsibility.4
* * *5
§3996. Charter schools; exemptions; requirements6
* * *7
B. Notwithstanding any state law, rule, or regulation to the contrary and8
except as may be otherwise specifically provided for in an approved charter, a9
charter school established and operated in accordance with the provisions of this10
Chapter and its approved charter and the school's officers and employees shall be11
exempt from all statutory mandates or other statutory requirements that are12
applicable to public schools and to public school officers and employees except for13
the following laws otherwise applicable to public schools with the same grades:14
* * *15
(30) Instruction on the Founding Principles of the United States of America16
in American history, R.S. 17:264.17
* * *18
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no
part of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not
constitute part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and
24:177(E)]
Harrison HB No. 436
Abstract: Requires instruction on the nation's "Founding Principles" to be integrated into
the existing required American history course in public schools.
Proposed law requires the governing authority of each public school offering American
history as a prerequisite to graduation to integrate into such course instruction on the
Founding Principles of the U.S.A. Such instruction shall include but need not be limited to
providing students with information on the following:
(1) The Creator-endowed inalienable rights of the people.
(2) Structure of government, separation of powers with checks and balances. HLS 12RS-1036 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 436
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
(3) Frequent and free elections in a representative government.
(4) Rule of law.
(5) Equal justice under the law.
(6) Private property rights.
(7) Federalism.
(8) Due process.
(9) Individual rights as set forth in the Bill of Rights.
(10) Individual responsibility.
Proposed law shall be known as the "Founding Principles Act".
(Adds R.S. 17:264 and 3996(B)(30))