Missouri House Bill HB1414

Missouri 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/24
• Refer: 5/17/24

Caption

Requires the national motto to be posted in all public buildings, including public schools

Impact

This legislation may alter the current landscape of public displays in Missouri by making the inclusion of the national motto a legal requirement in multiple public institutions. By mandating such displays, the bill promotes a sense of national identity and heritage, reflecting the values associated with the motto. However, the funding for these displays is specified to be sourced from voluntary contributions rather than state funds, which may impact the implementation process for various institutions, particularly those with limited resources.

Summary

House Bill 1414 requires that the national motto of the United States, 'In God We Trust,' be prominently displayed in various public buildings across the state of Missouri. This mandate includes all public institutions of higher education, as well as elementary and secondary school libraries and classrooms. The bill outlines specific requirements for the display, including the size and legibility of the motto, as well as complementing representations of the United States and Missouri state flags below the motto. The intention behind this bill is to reinforce the recognition of the national motto in publicly funded spaces.

Contention

The bill has the potential to spark debate regarding the separation of church and state, as the national motto invokes religious sentiment. Critics might argue that this requirement could infringe upon the principles of secular governance, particularly in educational environments where a diverse student body exists. Supporters, on the other hand, may frame the initiative as a simple acknowledgment of national heritage rather than an endorsement of religion, highlighting that previous public displays of the motto have historically been a part of American civic culture.