Current Status Introducing Body:Senate Bill Number:247 Primary Sponsor:Peeler Committee Number:04 Type of Legislation:GB Subject:Silent Prayer in public schools Residing Body:Senate Current Committee:Education Computer Document Number:436/12858AC.93 Introduced Date:19930120 Last History Body:Senate Last History Date:19930120 Last History Type:Introduced, read first time, referred to Committee Scope of Legislation:Statewide All Sponsors:Peeler Gregory Mescher Thomas Martin McGill Lander Courtney Russell Ford Leatherman Wilson Courson Type of Legislation:General Bill
Bill Body Date Action Description CMN Leg Involved
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247 Senate 19930120 Introduced, read first time, 04
referred to Committee
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TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-1-442 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS SHALL SET ASIDE A ONE-MINUTE PERIOD FOR VOLUNTARY SILENT PRAYER AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH SCHOOL DAY.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. The General Assembly finds that:
(1) the public school day is filled with an abundance of activities, demanding schedules, and substantial pressure for students and teachers;
(2) it is appropriate at the beginning of the school day to observe one minute of voluntary silent prayer, free of the myriad distractions that intrude on the educational process, so that students and teachers can contemplate the challenges of the upcoming school day and assume a frame of mind that promotes the proper atmosphere for learning and teaching.
SECTION 2. Article 5, Chapter 1, Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 59-1-442. Schools must set aside a one-minute period to allow for voluntary silent prayer at the beginning of each school day in all public elementary and secondary schools in this State. Students may participate on a voluntary basis."
SECTION 3. Nothing herein shall be construed to authorize any teacher or student to use the provisions of this act to advocate or promote any particular religious viewpoint.
SECTION 4. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.