(a)This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Star-Spangled Banner Act".
(b)The General Assembly finds that:
(1)It is of the utmost importance that Arkansas youth learn the importance of the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner";
(2)The regular playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" will foster patriotism and celebrate the common American experience; and (3) "The Star-Spangled Banner" should be played in solemn observance and recognition for the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in defense of the American Experiment.
(c)Each school district board of directors shall:
(1)Adopt a policy requiring each public kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) school to broadcast "The Star-Spangled Banner" at:
(A)(i) The commencement of each school-sanctioned sporting ev
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(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Star-Spangled Banner Act". (b) The General Assembly finds that: (1) It is of the utmost importance that Arkansas youth learn the importance of the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner"; (2) The regular playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" will foster patriotism and celebrate the common American experience; and (3) "The Star-Spangled Banner" should be played in solemn observance and recognition for the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in defense of the American Experiment. (c) Each school district board of directors shall: (1) Adopt a policy requiring each public kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) school to broadcast "The Star-Spangled Banner" at: (A) (i) The commencement of each school-sanctioned sporting event. (ii) However, if any part of two (2) or more school-sanctioned sporting events occur on the same day at the same school, a public school may choose to broadcast "The Star-Spangled Banner" at only one (1) of the events; and (B) Public kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) schools at least one (1) time each week during school hours; and (2) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, select for broadcast from any recording of "The Star-Spangled Banner" that adheres to rules promulgated by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. (d) A school district board of directors may adopt a policy that allows any of the following to be played at school-sanctioned sporting events, at schools during school hours, or both: (1) The performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" from original sheet music that adheres to division rules and is performed by a school-sanctioned band program; (2) The performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" from original sheet music that adheres to division rules and is performed by a school-sanctioned choral program, vocal group, or vocalist; or (3) The performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by the attendees of a school-sanctioned event led by a vocalist selected by the principal of the public school hosting the school-sanctioned event. (e) The division shall promulgate rules to implement this section.