Alabama Senate Passes Bill Requiring Weekly National Anthem Performance in Schools

The Alabama Senate on Tuesday, February 26, 2026, narrowly passed a bill that would require public K-12 schools to regularly perform the first stanza of the Star-Spangled Banner. Senate Bill 5 (SB 5), sponsored by Senator Gerald Allen, R-Cottondale, is a statewide constitutional amendment mandating the regular performance of the national anthem in schools. Source

Bill Details and Sponsor’s Rationale

SB 5 requires local boards of education to adopt policies to play or broadcast the first stanza of “The Star-Spangled Banner” during school hours, with a version archived with the Library of Congress. Source Senator Allen stated the legislation aims to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Source

Concerns and Opposition

The bill faced criticism from some lawmakers. Senator Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, raised concerns about the third stanza of the national anthem, citing its historical implications for Black Americans and describing it as “unpatriotic.” Source Smitherman expressed concern about exposing Black students to the stanza, which some interpret as glorifying slavery. Source

Senator Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, opposed the bill because she believes Alabama’s constitution is already too lengthy. Source She proposed an amendment requiring Senator Allen to sing the national anthem daily while the Senate is in session, but the amendment failed. Source

Legislative Path Forward

The bill passed the Senate with a vote of 22-5. Source To become law, it requires approval from 60% of both chambers – 63 votes in the House and 21 in the Senate – and then must be approved by state voters. Source If passed by the Legislature, the proposal will appear on the ballot during the 2026 midterm election. Source

Previous Attempts

Senator Allen pre-filed similar legislation in June of 2025, which passed the Senate but did not receive a vote in the House. Source