Today's Law As Amended


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SB-1471 Pupil instruction: quiet reflection.(2023-2024)



As Amends the Law Today


SECTION 1.
 (a) The Legislature finds and declares both of the following:
(1) In today’s hectic society, too many citizens are unable to experience even a quiet moment of reflection. Young California citizens are particularly affected by the absence of an opportunity for a moment of quiet reflection.
(2) The wellness of society as a whole could be enhanced if pupils in the public schools were afforded a quiet moment of reflection.
(b) Therefore, the Legislature finds all of the following:
(1) In a public school classroom, a teacher may wish to conduct a brief period of quiet reflection in the morning before engaging in activities of the schoolday, or at other times during the day, with the participation of pupils assembled in the classroom who choose to participate.
(2) Pursuant to state and federal law, the silent reflection may not be considered or be conducted with any religious content, reference, or overtone.
(3) The silent reflection should be administered with the full awareness of the families of the California public school pupils.

SEC. 2.

 Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 52735) is added to Chapter 11 of Part 28 of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Education Code, to read:

Article  2.5. Quiet Reflection
52735.
 (a) (1) In conformity with all other state and federal law, an employee at a public school may conduct a brief period of quiet reflection, with the participation of pupils in attendance.
(2) An individual, including, but not limited to, a certificated or classified employee at a public school, a guest speaker, or a contractor of a local educational agency, shall not require a pupil to participate in a period of quiet reflection. A pupil shall retain full discretion regarding participation in a brief period of quiet reflection.
(3) The governing board or body of a local educational agency shall not require a certificated or classified employee at a public school to conduct a brief period of quiet reflection.
(b) A brief period of quiet reflection authorized by this section shall not be conducted as or construed to be a religious service or exercise.
(c) For purposes of this section, “local educational agency” means a school district, county office of education, or charter school.