Subcommittee advances bill to require portraits of Washington and Lincoln in school common areas

Representative Snyder presented PCS for HB 371 to the Education Administration Subcommittee, describing the bill as subject to legislative appropriation and aiming to mark America’s 200th by directing public schools to display portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in prominent common areas.

Michelle De Jesus testified in opposition, saying, “This bill is framed as promoting patriotism, but in reality, it is creating a compliance mandate that invites surveillance, complaints, and political targeting of educators” and that the measure could chill classroom teaching. Representative Snyder responded that the bill was revised into a proposed committee substitute (PCS) that limits the requirement to common areas at each school rather than every classroom.

There were no amendments and no further debate; Kendall called the roll and the committee recorded 16 yays and 0 nays. The chair announced the bill was reported favorably and will proceed to further consideration.