PLEDGE Act
Latest action (28 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 5147, the PLEDGE Act, would set requirements for patriotic observances in elementary and secondary schools in the District of Columbia. It would require every classroom to display the U.S. flag during school hours, require students and civilians to stand at attention when the national anthem is played, and require the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited daily at the start of the school day, with students standing and placing their right hand over their heart while reciting it. Schools would have to notify students, through a handbook or similar publication, that they have a right not to participate, and would be required to excuse a student from reciting the Pledge—including standing or placing a hand over the heart—if the student's parent submits a written request. Students could not disrupt others who are reciting the Pledge, and schools would be required to make reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act for students unable to comply because of a disability.
The bill applies specifically to District of Columbia public schools, affecting students, parents, and school administrators there; it would not apply to schools in states, since Congress has direct authority over D.C. affairs.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 28, 2026, by Senator Ashley Moody, and has been referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It has not yet received committee action, and would need to pass the Senate, the House, and be signed by the President to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 28, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5147 do?
- S. 5147, the PLEDGE Act, would set requirements for patriotic observances in elementary and secondary schools in the District of Columbia. It would require every classroom to display the U.S. flag during school hours, require students and civilians to stand at attention when the national anthem is played, and require the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited daily at the start of the school day, with students standing and placing their right hand over their heart while reciting it. Schools would have to notify students, through a handbook or similar publication, that they have a right not to participate, and would be required to excuse a student from reciting the Pledge—including standing or placing a hand over the heart—if the student's parent submits a written request. Students could not disrupt others who are reciting the Pledge, and schools would be required to make reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act for students unable to comply because of a disability. The bill applies specifically to District of Columbia public schools, affecting students, parents, and school administrators there; it would not apply to schools in states, since Congress has direct authority over D.C. affairs. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 28, 2026, by Senator Ashley Moody, and has been referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. It has not yet received committee action, and would need to pass the Senate, the House, and be signed by the President to become law.
- Has S. 5147 become law?
- Not yet. As of 28 Jul 2026, S. 5147 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5147?
- S. 5147 was sponsored by Sen. Ashley Moody [R-FL] (Republican-FL), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5147?
- Introduced (28 Jul 2026).
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