State Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, has pre-filed a bill proposing a constitutional amendment that would require Alabama public schools to fly The Star-Spangled Banner at least once a week during school hours.

The bill describes the history of The Star-Spangled Banner, how Francis Scott Key wrote the famous song during the War of 1812, and how it became the official national anthem of the United States in 1931.

“For over 100 years, The Star-Spangled Banner has served to inspire generations of patriotic Americans, and it is imperative that students be exposed to this history and inspiration,” the bill states.

Allen’s amendment would specifically require K-12 public schools to broadcast “any recording of the first verse of The Star-Spangled Banner that is archived in the Library of Congress” or, alternatively, to host a “performance of the first verse of The Star- Spangled Banner from original sheet music . . . by a school-approved band program, choral program, vocal group, or vocalist.”

If the bill passes the state legislature, the proposed amendment will be added to a statewide ballot for the general public to vote on during a special election or the next general election. If a simple majority of voters approve the amendment, it will be added to the state constitution and take effect.

Alabama law currently requires public schools to perform the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag at the beginning of each school day, however student participation in reciting the pledge is optional. The language of that law was amended to 2019 to ensure all schools meet the pledge.