An amended version of a bill adjusting what’s allowed at graduation ceremonies advanced to the floor without recommendation, but failed to get on the calendar once there.

 

On its third vote, House Bill 1134, which, as amended, permits the wearing of a beaded graduation cap at a graduation ceremony, headed to the House floor without recommendation on an 11-1 vote from the House Education committee. However, once there it did not get put on the debate calendar, losing out on a 16-52 vote.

 

The initial version of the bill called for the allowance of the singing of an honor song and for the wearing of a beaded graduation cap, but Rep. Shawn Bordeaux introduced an amendment to strike “honor song” from the bill.

 

ASBSD Executive Director Wade Pogany said the Association was “supportive of” the amended version of the bill as it supports the individuality of the student.

 

Committee members debated the potential infringement the bill may have on local school districts.

 

“Let the individual district and the citizens in that district work out their differences,” Rep. Tony Randolph said.

 

Others believed the latest exemption was only a slight change.

 

“This just permits one more item (that can be worn),” Rep. Tim Johns said. “It’s not really going to change the substance of the law.”

 

HB 1134 had two prior votes – a 6-6 vote on a “Do Pass” motion and 5-7 vote on a motion to defeat – before the vote to send it to the House floor without recommendation, which resulted in the failed vote to calendar the bill.

 

For updates on bills related to K-12 education during the 2020 legislative session, check the ASBSD Blog and Bill Tracker page.