AMERICAN HERITAGE DOCUMENT INSTRUCTION

Senate Bill 211 as passed by the Senate

Sponsor:  Sen. Mike Shirkey

House Committee:  Education

Senate Committee:  Education

Complete to 10-7-15

SUMMARY:

The bill would amend the Revised School Code to require the board of a school district or intermediate school district, or the board of directors of a public school academy (customarily called a charter school), to permit grade-level instruction for students to read and study America's founding documents, "including documents that contributed to the foundation or maintenance of America's representative form of limited government, the Bill of Rights, our free-market economic system, and patriotism."

The bill also would prohibit a school board or a school official or employee from censoring or restraining study or instruction in American history or heritage or Michigan history or heritage based on religious references in original source documents, writings, speeches, proclamations, or records.

The bill would take effect 90 days after enactment.

Proposed MCL 380.1168

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on state or local government.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                               Fiscal Analysts:   Bethany Wicksall

                                                                                                                           Samuel Christensen

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.