(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the 'Star-Spangled Banner Act'.(b) The General Assembly finds that: (1) It is of the utmost importance that Arkansas youth learn the importance of the national anthem, 'The Star-Spangled Banner';(2) The regular playing of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' will foster patriotism and celebrate the common American experience; and(3) 'The Star-Spangled Banner' should be played in solemn observance and recognition for the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in defense of the American Experiment.(c) Each state-supported institution of higher education shall: (1)(A) Adopt a policy requiring the broadcast of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' at the commencement of each school-sanctioned sporting event.(B) However, if any part of two (2) or more school-sanctioned sporting events occur on the same day at the same school, a state-supported institution of higher education may choose to broadcast 'The Star-Spangled Banner' at only one (1) of the events; and(2) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, select for broadcast from any recording of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' that adheres to rules promulgated by the Division of Higher events; and(2) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, select for broadcast from any recording of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' that adheres to rules promulgated by the Division of Higher Education.(d) A state-supported institution of higher education may adopt a policy that allows any of the following to be played at school-sanctioned sporting events: (1) The performance of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' from original sheet music that adheres to division rules and is performed by a school-sanctioned band program;(2) The performance of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' from original sheet music that adheres to division rules and is performed by a school-sanctioned choral program, vocal group, or vocalist; or(3) The performance of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' by the attendees of a school-sanctioned event led by a vocalist selected by the state-supported institution of higher education hosting the school-sanctioned event.(e) The division shall promulgate rules to implement this section.Added by Act 2021, No. 958,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.
Arkansas Legal Code