H. B. 2056

                        (By Delegate Faircloth and Hamilton)

                        [Introduced January 14, 2015 ; referred to the

                        Committee on Education then the Judiciary.]

A BILL to amend and reenact §18-5-15b of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to clarifying that the Pledge of Allegiance said each instructional day in West Virginia public schools shall include the phrase "one nation under God."

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

            That §18-5-15b of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended and reenacted to read as follows:

ARTICLE 5. COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION.

§18-5-15b. Pledge of allegiance to the flag.

            Every instructional day in the public schools of this state shall be commenced with a pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States to be said as follows: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Pupils who do not wish to participate in this exercise shall be excused from making such pledge.

            NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to make clear that the Pledge of Allegiance said each instructional day in West Virginia public schools shall include the phrase "one nation under God."

            Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from the present law, and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.