Rep. Randy Fine’s ‘Moments of Silence in Public Schools’ Bill Clears Final Committee Unanimously

Bill intended to give students an opportunity to take some time ahead of the school day to reflect

Legislation would call on principles to require teachers to hold a one- to two-minute moment of silence each day during first period classes in public schools

(FLORIDA POLITICS) – Rep. Randy Fine’s bill to require teachers to set aside a moment of silence during school is heading to the House floor. 

The House Education and Employment Committee unanimously approved the bill (HB 529) Wednesday evening, passing it to the House.

The legislation would call on principles to require teachers to hold a one- to two-minute moment of silence each day during first period classes in public schools.

The bill would prohibit teachers from making suggestions about the nature of any reflection during the moment of silence and instead encourages teachers to discuss the pause with students’ parents or guardians, with them giving their children direction on how best to use the time.

Critics of the legislation fear the bill is just another measure to blur the lines between church and state.

However, Fine argued the bill is intended to give students an opportunity to take some time ahead of the school day to reflect — regardless of religious affiliation.

“Every child can benefit from a time, whether you’re Jewish or Christian or you don’t believe in God at all, every child will benefit from this time to be centered before the beginning of the day,” Fine said.

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