MS HB343

Authorizes any teacher or school administrator in public schools to open the school day with prayer over the intercom system and permit voluntary student participation in prayer.

Requires that prayer or moment of silence observation be maintained in each grade at the beginning of each school day, with teachers calling students to order and announcing the observation time.

Prohibits teachers from suggesting or indicating any specific actions students should take during prayer or silence time; teachers must maintain silence for the full duration.

Clarifies that teachers cannot prescribe the form or content of any prayer and that this amendment is supplemental to existing Section 37-13-4.1 regarding student-initiated voluntary prayer at school events.

Effective date: July 1, 2012.