The measure (HB 1317) would specify six organizations that would be allowed to visit schools: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Future Farmers of America and the Civil Air Patrol.
The organizations are part of a list contained in federal law titled “Patriotic and National Organizations.”
Representatives of the groups would be authorized to “speak with and distribute informational materials in a classroom setting to students to encourage participation in the patriotic organization” and “inform students of how the patriotic organization may further the students’ educational interests” and civic involvement.
The House Education & Employment Committee unanimously approved the bill, which is ready procedurally to go to the full House.
A similar Senate bill (SB 1016) awaits a hearing in the Judiciary Committee.
This article appears in Feb 8-14, 2024.