Proposed bill would require Missouri school districts to display the Ten Commandments

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A hearing was held Tuesday morning by the Senate Education Committee on a proposed bill that would require Missouri school districts and charter schools to display the Ten Commandments in every building and classroom.

Senate Bill 594 is sponsored by Sen. Jamie Burger (R-Benton) and would mandate the Ten Commandments to be displayed in all classrooms beginning Jan. 1, 2026, if passed.

Under the bill's language, the presentation would be left to individual schools and governing boards. Each display must be a poster or framed document measuring at least 11 inches by 14 inches and printed in a large, easily readable font.

The bill also states that school boards or governing boards may use the board's funds or accept donations to purchase the displays, and they may also accept donated displays.

However, the school or governing board is not required to spend the board's money to purchase the displays.

House Bill 34 was also proposed this session by Rep. Hardy Billington (R-Poplar Bluff), proposing similar requirements.

This year, Louisiana became the first state to require public K-12 schools, colleges and universities to post the Ten Commandments in all classrooms.

Check back for updates as this is a developing story.