LITTLE ROCK, AR -- The bill to require a moment of silence in Arkansas schools passed the House Education Committee on Thursday, clearing its first hurdle.
The bill, presented by Rep. Debra Hobbs, is asking for all schools in Arkansas to implement a moment of silence on a daily basis.
Hobbs says the bill states students can reflect, pray or engage in other quiet activity, and that it's needed for students to gather their thoughts, be very quiet and sit still and get ready for the day.
"The reason the prayer was added, it specifically says 'reflect, pray or engage in other quiet activity,' so if a student chooses to pray, the teacher can't say 'Oh you can't pray in school,'" Rep. Hobbs said.
Hobbs says she expects a full vote on Monday.
