Bill > HB3041

This bill requires all public elementary and secondary schools in West Virginia to display a poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in a conspicuous place in every classroom, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. The poster must be at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall, with text that is legible from anywhere in the classroom, and must include the specific biblical text of the Ten Commandments as outlined in the bill. If a school does not already have such a poster, they are required to accept privately donated posters that meet the specified requirements. Schools with existing posters that do not meet the bill's specifications can replace them using public funds or private donations. Notably, the bill provides the exact wording of the Ten Commandments, which includes both religious and ethical commandments such as "Thou shalt not steal" and "Honor thy father and thy mother." The legislation appears to be designed to ensure the prominent display of these religious principles in public school classrooms, which could potentially raise constitutional questions about the separation of church and state.