Missouri Senate Bill SB594

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/25
• Refer: 3/13/25

Caption

Requires school districts and charter schools to display the Ten Commandments in every building and classroom under their jurisdiction

Impact

The enactment of SB594 will significantly alter educational environments across the state, ensuring that religious texts are prominently featured in public schools. This could raise questions regarding the interpretation of constitutional principles, particularly the separation of church and state, as public educational institutions typically operate under secular guidelines. The bill thus may invite legal scrutiny challenging its compliance with established judicial precedents concerning religious endorsements in public schools.

Summary

Senate Bill 594, introduced by Senator Burger, mandates that starting January 1, 2026, every school district and charter school in Missouri must display the Ten Commandments in every building and classroom. This new requirement not only specifies the text that must be displayed but also stipulates the minimum size and visibility of the display, requiring that the text be centrally focused and printed in a large, readable font. Schools have the option to either purchase displays with board funds or accept donated displays, promoting community involvement while also emphasizing the budgetary flexibility for schools.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB594 stem from its potential implications for religious freedom and the educational framework within Missouri. Critics argue that this legislation could alienate students and families who practice faiths differing from Christianity or who are non-religious. There's concern that publicly displaying the Ten Commandments could be perceived as a government endorsement of a specific religious perspective, which could infringe upon the rights of minority groups. Supporters may contend that it fosters moral values; however, the bill's passage may lead to debates over the appropriateness of religious displays in educational settings.