Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB544

Introduced
4/9/25  

Caption

Requiring the display in public school buildings of certain historical documents relating to the foundation of law.

Impact

If enacted, SB544 could significantly impact educational environments by ensuring that these historical documents are not only present but also accessible to students in public schools and charter schools. Supporters argue that such displays will enhance civic education and instill a sense of historical context, encouraging students to engage with the principles that have shaped their rights and responsibilities as citizens. However, this could also raise concerns regarding the separation of church and state, particularly with the inclusion of The Ten Commandments as part of the educational curriculum.

Summary

Senate Bill 544, also known as the Creation of Law in Our Schools Act, mandates that certain historical documents foundational to law be displayed in public school buildings across Pennsylvania. The required documents include The Ten Commandments, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This legislative move aims to reinforce the understanding of the legal and moral framework that underlies American governance among students.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB544 appears polarized. Proponents argue that the inclusion of these documents will foster greater historical awareness and civic responsibility among students, viewing it as a positive step towards moral and ethical education. Opponents, however, express concerns about the potential for religious implications and the appropriateness of displaying religious texts in public institutions, emphasizing the need for neutrality in public education.

Contention

Key points of contention in discussions around SB544 include the implications of mandating the display of religious documents in public schools and the potential infringement on the principles of secularism in education. Critics argue that the bill may provoke legal challenges based on the First Amendment, while supporters maintain that the bill is essential for reinforcing the foundational principles of American law. Stakeholders will likely continue to debate the educational value versus the legal concerns associated with the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB456

Providing for the display of the national motto "In God We Trust" in classrooms and other areas in public school buildings.

PA HB2039

Authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Governor, to grant and convey to The Roland Curtin Foundation for the Preservation of Eagle Furnace, certain lands, buildings and improvements, situate in Boggs Township, Centre County, and further authorizing the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to transfer to The Roland Curtin Foundation for the Preservation of Eagle Furnace its buildings located on adjacent property leased from the United States Department of the Army.

PA SB353

Providing for display of the Preamble of the Constitution of Pennsylvania in each school building.

PA SB456

Providing for display of the Preamble of the Constitution of the United States in each school building.

PA HB1955

Amending the act of March 4, 1970 (P.L.128, No.49), entitled "An act granting to the Governor of the Commonwealth the sole authority for regulating the display of the flag of the United States from any public ground or building and from any ground or building of certain other institutions," further providing for display of flag.

PA HB1518

Authorizing the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey certain lands and improvements situate in the 47th Ward of the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, to New Freedom Theatre, Inc.; authorizing the release of Project 70 restrictions on certain land owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in Overfield Township, Wyoming County; authorizing the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to the City of Philadelphia a right-of-way easement situate in the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, in exchange for improvements to Benjamin Rush State Park and monetary consideration to the Commonwealth to be used toward the acquisition and conveyance of a tract of land to be added to French Creek State Park; authorizing the transfer of administrative jurisdiction of portions of State park lands in exchange for certain lands situate in New Vernon Township, Mercer County, from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to the Department of Transportation for anticipated highway improvement projects; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Department of Agriculture and the Governor, to grant and convey to Joshua R. Snyder a certain tract of land located in Windsor Township, Berks County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey certain lands and improvements situate in Haverford Township, Delaware County, to Carelink Community Support Services of PA, Inc.; and authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Governor, to grant and convey to The Roland Curtin Foundation for the Preservation of Eagle Furnace, certain lands, buildings and improvements, situate in Boggs Township, Centre County, and further authorizing the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to transfer to The Roland Curtin Foundation for the Preservation of Eagle Furnace its buildings located on adjacent property leased from the United States Department of the Army.

PA HB1573

Providing for the redevelopment of historic and older buildings; and establishing the Historic and Older Building Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program and the Historic and Older Building Redevelopment Fund.

PA HB2216

Authorizing the Department of General Services, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and with the approval of the Governor, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, to quitclaim and release to the United States of America any right, title or interest it may have with respect to a certain use restriction and a related reversionary interest related to certain portions of Valley Forge National Historical Park situate in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; authorizing the release of Project 70 restrictions on certain land owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in Overfield Township, Wyoming County; authorizing the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to the City of Philadelphia a right-of-way easement situate in the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, in exchange for improvements to Benjamin Rush State Park and monetary consideration to the Commonwealth to be used toward the acquisition and conveyance of a tract of land to be added to French Creek State Park; authorizing the transfer of administrative jurisdiction of portions of State park lands in exchange for certain lands situate in New Vernon Township, Mercer County, from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to the Department of Transportation for anticipated highway improvement projects; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Department of Agriculture and the Governor, to grant and convey to Joshua R. Snyder a certain tract of land located in Windsor Township, Berks County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey certain lands and improvements situate in Haverford Township, Delaware County, to Carelink Community Support Services of PA, Inc.; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Governor, to grant and convey to The Roland Curtin Foundation for the Preservation of Eagle Furnace, certain lands, buildings and improvements, situate in Boggs Township, Centre County, and further authorizing the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to transfer to The Roland Curtin Foundation for the Preservation of Eagle Furnace its buildings located on adjacent property leased from the United States Department of the Army; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Franklin Township, Greene County, certain lands situate in Franklin Township, Greene County; authorizing the Department of General Services to convey to the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry and Tourism, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, certain lands and improvements thereon, situate in Oil City, Venango County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, to convey to the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry and Tourism, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, certain lands and improvements thereon, situate in Oil City, Venango County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Department of Transportation and the Governor, to grant and convey to the Bear Creek Township Volunteer Hose Company an access easement and two storm water easements from certain lands situate in Bear Creek Township, Luzerne County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to release a portion of a use restriction affecting certain real property situate in Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, which the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania previously conveyed to the School District of the City of Harrisburg; authorizing the sale and transfer of title for a 0.232 acre of

PA HB795

Providing for the Building Opportunity Through Out-of-School Time Grant Program; establishing the Building Opportunity Through Out-of-School Time Fund; and making an appropriation.

PA SB789

Providing for the Building Opportunity Through Out-of-School Time Grant Program; and establishing the Building Opportunity Through Out-of-School Time Fund.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.