Bill · S. 5147· Senate(119-S-5147)
PLEDGE Act
- Introduced
- 7/28/2026
- Last activity
- 7/28/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Ashley Moody
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "PLEDGE Act," establishes requirements for patriotic observances in elementary and secondary schools within the District of Columbia. It mandates that the United States flag be displayed in every classroom during school hours. The bill also requires students and civilians to stand at attention when the national anthem is played. Additionally, it requires the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited at the start of each school day. Students must recite the Pledge while standing with their right hand over their heart, unless excused by a parent.
Yes
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+5
The bill includes required reasonable modifications for students with disabilities.
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?+5
The bill mandates reasonable modifications for students with disabilities under the ADA.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?-3
The bill mandates certain patriotic behaviors and restricts disruptive displays, which could impact free expression in schools.
Would students be better off under this?-2
The bill mandates specific patriotic rituals and restrictions on student behavior in classrooms.
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?-2
The bill imposes mandatory conduct and restricts certain types of student displays.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Disability Accommodations: Schools must provide reasonable modifications for students who cannot comply with the Pledge requirements due to a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (Section 2, subsection d, 5).
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Parental Control: Parents have the ability to submit a written request to excuse their child from reciting the Pledge, including the requirement to stand and place a hand over the heart (Section 2, subsection d, 3, B).
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Student Information: Schools are required to provide written notice in student handbooks so that students are aware of their right not to participate in the Pledge (Section 2, subsection d, 3, A).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Mandatory Participation Requirements: Every District of Columbia school must display the American flag in every classroom during school hours (Section 2, subsection b).
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Mandatory Conduct: Students and civilians are required to stand at attention when the national anthem is played (Section 2, subsection c).
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Specific Recitation Rules: Students are required to recite the Pledge at the beginning of each day while standing with their right hand over the heart (Section 2, subsection d, 1 and 2).
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Restrictions on Behavior: Students are prohibited from making any displays that disrupt or distract others who are reciting the Pledge (Section 2, subsection d, 4).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Students-2Good For Children-1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Freedom Of Speech-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+5Improves Freedom Of Speech-3
- 7/28/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Introduced in Senate