RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 264 (HB 8) 2023 Regular Session Horton
Existing law requires each public school governing authority to display the national motto,
"In God We Trust", in each building it uses and in each school under its jurisdiction. New
law additionally requires such display in each classroom in each school.
New law additionally requires such display in every classroom in charter schools and on
public postsecondary education institution campuses.
New law authorizes governing authorities, management boards, and institutions to accept
donated displays and to spend funds, including donated funds, to purchase displays. Public
funds are not required to be used to purchase displays.
Existing law specifies that the nature of the display shall be determined by each public school
governing authority but requires at a minimum a paper sign. Instead of such minimum
requirement, new law requires that the motto:
(1)Be displayed on a poster or framed document that is at least 11 inches by 14 inches.
(2)Be the central focus of the poster or framed document.
(3)Be printed in a large, easily readable font.
Effective August 1, 2023. Applicable August 1, 2026.
(Amends R.S. 17:262(A)(2) and (B); Adds R.S. 17:262(C), 3351(O), and 3996(B)(75))