HOUSE BILL NO. 2837 Offered January 10, 2007 Prefiled January 10, 2007 A BILL to amend and reenact § 22.1-201 of the Code of Virginia, relating to George Washington's birthday. ----------
Patrons-- Amundson, Bulova, Callahan, Caputo, Hull, Marsden, Moran, Plum, Rust, Scott, J.M. and Watts; Senators: Howell and Puller
---------- Committee Referral Pending ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 22.1-201 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 22.1-201. Study of documents of Virginia history and United States Constitution; George Washington's birthday.

To increase knowledge of citizens' rights and responsibilities thereunder and to enhance the understanding of Virginia's unique role in the history of the United States, the Declaration of American Independence, the general principles of the Constitution of the United States, including the Bill of Rights, the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom, the charters of April 10, 1606, May 23, 1609, and March 12, 1612, of The Virginia Company, and the Virginia Declaration of Rights shall be thoroughly explained and taught by teachers to pupils in public elementary, middle, and high schools. Emphasis shall be given to the relationship between these documents and Virginia history, and to citizenship responsibilities inherent in the rights included in these documents. Written examinations as to each of such documents shall be given.

Additionally, George Washington's birthday shall be observed each year on or around February 22, by every student and teacher in public elementary, middle, and high schools, through an edifying lesson or program, or distributed materials about George Washington.