Amendment 4: Weekly national anthem in schoolsNational anthem played in public schools every week
Read the full text of the measure: Fair Ballot Commission statements (PDF)
In plain words
The constitution has no rule today about the national anthem in schools. This amendment would make local school boards adopt a policy so every public K-12 school plays the first verse ("stanza") of The Star-Spangled Banner, or allows a live performance of it, at least once a week during school hours. A school-approved performance using the Library of Congress archived version is allowed instead of a broadcast. (sos.alabama.gov )
Before and after
| Question | Today | If it passes |
|---|---|---|
| National anthem in public schools | No rule in the constitution | First verse played or performed at least once a week during school hours |
| Who sets the policy | Not applicable | Each local school board |
Numbers from the official ballot title (ballot title ); also see (sos.alabama.gov )
Biggest change
- Requires each local school board to adopt a policy for a weekly broadcast or performance of the anthem's first verse in every public K-12 school. source: sos.alabama.gov
Who it affects most: Public K-12 students, teachers and local school boards.
Cost to the state: The Fair Ballot Commission says there are no costs or taxes tied to Amendment 4.
Our plain-words summary. Every line points to its source.
What your vote means
Every public K-12 school must play or perform the anthem's first verse at least once a week, written into the constitution.
The constitution sets no anthem rule; schools and local boards keep deciding for themselves.
Our one-line summary. Alabama does not publish an official "what your vote means" statement; the ballot title above is the official description.
Why people want it, and why others object
Why this is on the ballot
The Legislature put this on the ballot. It changes the state constitution, so only another statewide vote can change it back. It passes with a majority of the votes cast on it.
- Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Cottondale) sponsored it. The Senate passed it 22-5. source: alabamareflector.com
Why supporters want it
- Sen. Gerald Allen, the sponsor, said it would "help us celebrate the 250th anniversary of this great country." source: alabamareflector.com
Why opponents object
- Sen. Vivian Davis Figures (D-Mobile) voted no because the state constitution is already long: "I just don't think it should be a constitutional amendment." source: alabamareflector.com
- Sen. Rodger Smitherman (D-Birmingham) raised concerns about the anthem's third verse, which refers to slavery: "Nothing should be glorified about that." (The amendment covers only the first verse.) source: alabamareflector.com
Who backs each side
- For: sponsor Sen. Gerald Allen and the Legislature. Against: no group found; five senators voted no. No public record found of campaign money for either side. source: alabamareflector.com
In each side's own words where we could find them, quoted or summarized with a link to the source. We don't endorse either side.
What you will see on your ballot
Official ballot wording, word for word (tap to open)
The official ballot title, word for word from the Secretary of State's official Fair Ballot Commission statements .
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, to require local boards of education to adopt policies requiring each public K-12 school to broadcast or sanction the performance of the first stanza of The Star-Spangled Banner at least once per week during school hours.
Proposed by Act 2026-424.
Yes
No
Copied word for word from the Fair Ballot Commission ballot statement and checked against the enrolled SB5.
Latest news
Recent reporting from a range of outlets, newest first. We link to it; we don't endorse it.
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Full text of the measure
The Fair Ballot Commission's explanation is in the Secretary of State's PDF. The full change is in the enrolled bill. Read it in the Fair Ballot Commission statements (PDF) , or on the Legislature's page for Senate Bill 5 (Act 2026-424) , which also shows the votes in each chamber.
Read more
- Secretary of State: 2026 statewide amendments and Fair Ballot Commission statements
- Fair Ballot Commission: Amendment 4 explained (PDF)
- Alabama Reflector: Senate passes weekly anthem bill
We link to analysis from several sources; we don't endorse it.