Lawmakers favor bills on patriotism

Two pieces of legislation that seek to increase patriotism among students passed in the Arkansas House on Monday.

House Bill 1831, the “Star-Spangled Banner Act,” would mandate that public schools broadcast the national anthem at the beginning of each school-sanctioned sporting event and at least once a week during school hours. The bill passed 89-1. Rep. Megan Godfrey, D-Springdale, voted against the bill and said many teachers are concerned about losing instructional minutes. House Bill 1832 would require public kindergarten-through-12th-grade schools to observe a moment of silence after the Pledge of Allegiance. The bill passed 89-0.

Rep. Mark Berry, R-Ozark, is the sponsor of both bills.

“There is a serious decline in the levels of patriotism among our youth,” Berry, a military veteran, said.