SB12 Summary

• Proposes a constitutional amendment requiring local boards of education to adopt policies mandating the broadcast or performance of The Star-Spangled Banner at the start of each school-sanctioned sporting event and at least once per week during school hours in K-12 public schools.

• Allows schools to broadcast a single recording of the anthem when multiple sporting events occur on the same day at the same school, rather than playing it before each event.

• Permits local boards to select from archived recordings available on the Library of Congress website or alternatively allow live performances by school bands, chorales, vocal groups, or individual vocalists.

• Requires the amendment to be approved by a majority of qualified voters in accordance with existing constitutional election procedures.

• Includes legislative findings on the historical origins of the national anthem, composed by Francis Scott Key in 1814 and officially designated by Congress in 1931.