BOISE — Students in Idaho’s public schools will start their days next school year with a 60-second moment of silence, after Gov. Brad Little signed a bill into law Thursday.
House Bill 623 requires all K-12 public schools to observe a one-minute moment of silence at the start of each school day. According to the bill’s sponsor, the time could be used for reflection, meditation or prayer.
Supporters say the measure could help students’ mental health.
“Idaho has failed when it comes to suicide of our children for different reasons. This moment of silence, for me, I think will help that, looking at the other states,” the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, previously told KTVB.
“It’s a piece of legislation that is beautifully neutral,” Dave McGarrah, a pastor at Deer Flat Church, said previously. “It doesn’t favor any belief system or activity.”
But the proposal is drawing concern from some parents, teachers and lawmakers who question whether it is appropriate or effective.
Kat Ross, a Boise mother and member of the Boise School District’s parent advocacy group, said she worries students could feel social pressure during the moment of silence.
“It makes me think of my daughter sitting in the classroom, where it’s a mix of students and could potentially feel pressured to take up, like, ‘Well, they’re praying, and I want to fit in with them, and I should do that,’” Ross had previously said.
Ross called the proposal “a ridiculous piece of legislation” and said lawmakers should focus on policies that directly improve education and student well-being.
Rep. Soñia Galaviz, D-Boise, who is also a teacher, said quiet reflection can be valuable but warned against policies that could be interpreted as encouraging prayer.
“I want to be careful that we’re not advocating for prayer, because it’s so deeply personal,” Galaviz had previously said.
The bill passed the House by a 51-17-2 vote and the Senate by a closer 18-15-2 margin. On Thursday, March 19, Gov. Little signed the bill into law.
The law goes into effect on July 1, 2026.