The Alabama House passed HB511 Tuesday, sending a proposed constitutional amendment to the Senate that would require every public K-12 school in Alabama to open the school day with the Pledge of Allegiance and a voluntary period for prayer.

State Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road) sponsored the bill. If the Senate passes it by the required supermajority, Alabama voters would decide whether to add the requirement to the state constitution.

“It is past time we get prayer back in Alabama’s schools,” Ingram said.

“All across the nation, we are seeing examples of states moving away from the beliefs this country was founded upon. I firmly believe the people of Alabama want no part in that, and from the feedback I have received, they want the opportunity to vote on this constitutional amendment.”

Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) praised the bill’s passage, noting his own history with similar legislation.

During the 2019 session, Ledbetter carried and passed a bill mandating the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of each school day, along with legislation allowing public schools to offer elective Bible study courses in grades six through twelve.

“We should be teaching our children to take pride in being American and to boldly share their faith, which is why prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance belong in our schools,” Ledbetter said. “I am proud that the House has passed this important legislation and hope to see the Senate follow suit so the people of Alabama can vote on it.”

Tuesday was day 20th of the legislative session. There are 10 legislative days remaining.

Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for 256 Today and Yellowhammer News.