What's happening
This bill requires all New York public school classrooms to observe a one-minute period of silent meditation each day.
Why it matters
Shifts from optional to mandatory practice. The bill removes local school board discretion and makes daily silent meditation a statewide requirement in all public classrooms, standardizing this practice across New York.
Specifies a fixed duration. By requiring exactly one minute of silent meditation, the bill ensures consistency and clarity, potentially minimizing disruptions to instructional time while still promoting the intended benefits.
Emphasizes inclusivity and non-religious intent. The language clarifies that participation does not require standing and that the meditation is not a religious exercise, aiming to respect students’ diverse beliefs and avoid legal/constitutional challenges regarding separation of church and state.
Potential impact on school climate and student well-being. The daily silent meditation period may offer students a structured opportunity to mentally prepare for the day, possibly supporting emotional regulation, focus, or mindfulness—issues increasingly recognized as important in education.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Require School Meditation Minute
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to education
- Referred to education
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
895
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 5, 2017
Introduced by Sen. AMEDORE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to silent meditation in public schools
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 3029-a of the education law, as added by chapter 1204 of the laws of 1971, is amended to read as follows:
§ 3029-a. Silent meditation in public schools. 1. In each public school classroom, the teacher [in charge may, or if so authorized or directed by the board of education by which he is employed,] shall, at the opening of school upon every school day, [conduct] observe a [brief] one minute period of silent meditation with the participation of all the pupils therein assembled.
2. The silent meditation authorized by [subsection] subdivision one of this [act] section is not intended to be, and shall not be conducted as, a religious service or exercise, but may be considered as an opportunity for silent meditation on a religious theme by those who are so disposed, or a moment of silent reflection on the anticipated activities of the day. As used in subdivision one of this section the term "participation" shall be construed to permit seated participation and not to require any pupil to stand.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00116-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to silent meditation in public schools
Purpose
This legislation requires the observance of a 1 minute period of silent meditation at the start of each public school day.
Summary of provisions
Section 1: Amends section 3029-a of the education law.
Section 2: Sets the effective date as immediately.
Justification
This legislation requires that each school day in a public school begin with one minute of silent meditation. The goal of this legislation is to provide students a brief period where they are able to reflect on their upcoming day without distraction. Daily meditation has been shown to increase mental clarity and focus. Students may use this time to study, read, meditate, or contemplate anything of their choosing.
Legislative history
2015/16: S6371- referred to education
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.