HLS 12RS-1036 ENGROSSED
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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 and civics courses
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 courses in10
American history and civics as prerequisites to graduation shall integrate into such11
courses instruction regarding the Founding Principles of the United States of12
America.13
B. Such instruction shall include but need not be limited to providing14
students with information on the following:15
(1) The Creator-endowed unalienable rights of the people.16
(2) Structure of government, separation of powers with checks and balances.17
(3) Frequent and free elections in a representative government.18
(4) Rule of law.19
(5) Equal justice under the law.20 HLS 12RS-1036 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 436
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are additions.
(6) Private property rights.1
(7) Federalism.2
(8) Due process.3
(9) Individual rights as set forth in the Bill of Rights.4
(10) Individual responsibility.5
* * *6
§3996. Charter schools; exemptions; requirements7
* * *8
B. Notwithstanding any state law, rule, or regulation to the contrary and9
except as may be otherwise specifically provided for in an approved charter, a10
charter school established and operated in accordance with the provisions of this11
Chapter and its approved charter and the school's officers and employees shall be12
exempt from all statutory mandates or other statutory requirements that are13
applicable to public schools and to public school officers and employees except for14
the following laws otherwise applicable to public schools with the same grades:15
* * *16
(30) Instruction on the Founding Principles of the United States of America17
in American history and civics courses, R.S. 17:264.18
* * *19
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 and civics courses in public schools.
Proposed law requires the governing authority of each public school offering American
history and civics as prerequisites to graduation to integrate into such courses 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 unalienable rights of the people.
(2)Structure of government, separation of powers with checks and balances. HLS 12RS-1036 ENGROSSED
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))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the original bill.
1. Adds civics, as an alternative to American history, as a course into which
proposed law instruction shall be integrated.