A new bill filed by State Sen. Dana Jones in the North Carolina Senate seeks to require the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the school day and provide related educational content, according to the North Carolina State Senate.
The bill, filed as SB 312 on March 17 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘The Stars and Stripes Commitment Act.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, the bill, titled “The Stars and Stripes Commitment Act,” mandates the scheduling of the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the school day within the first hour of instruction in North Carolina public, charter, and regional schools. Additionally, it requires age-appropriate education on the historical origins of the flag and the Pledge. While flags should be displayed in each classroom when available, no individual is compelled to participate in the pledge. The bill also stipulates that both regular and special meetings of the State Board of Education and meetings held by the governing bodies of public school units include a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The policy respects individual choice and does not force participation. This act takes effect with the 2025-26 school year.
A related bill, HB 186, was also filed in the North Carolina House, introduced by Rep. Brian Biggs (and three others) on Feb. 24, 2025.
Of the three sponsors of this bill, Danny Earl Britt, Jr. proposed the most bills (17) during the 2025 regular session.
Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.
You can read more about the bills and other measures here.
Jones graduated from High Point University in 1993 with a BA.
Jones, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2025 to represent the state’s 31st Senate district, replacing previous state senator Joyce Krawiec.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dana Jones, Danny Earl Britt, Jr., and David W. Craven, Jr. | SB 312 | 03/17/2025 | The Stars and Stripes Commitment Act. |
| Dana Jones, Bobby Hanig, and Ralph Hise | SB 302 | 03/17/2025 | The Sergeant Mickey Hutchens Act. |
| Dana Jones and Paul A. Lowe, Jr. | SB 241 | 03/05/2025 | Funds for Smith Reynolds Airport MRO Hangar. |
| Dana Jones and Bobby Hanig | SB 162 | 02/25/2025 | Shared Parenting. |
| Dana Jones, Kevin Corbin, and Michael V. Lee | SB 125 | 02/21/2025 | Various Education Changes. |
| Dana Jones, Michael V. Lee, and Paul Newton | SB 101 | 02/13/2025 | Protect Tax-Advantaged Accts. & Living Donors. |
| Dana Jones, Amy S. Galey, and Brent Jackson | SB 59 | 02/05/2025 | Revise Voluntary Ag. District Laws. |
| Dana Jones, Bob Brinson, and Jim Burgin | SB 31 | 01/30/2025 | The Wells Act. |
| Dana Jones and Amy S. Galey | SB 39 | 01/30/2025 | GSC Add Member from High Point Law School. |
| Dana Jones | SB 6 | 01/29/2025 | 31st Senatorial District Local Act-1. |
