Lawmakers are considering requiring Abraham Lincoln, George Washington paintings at schools

Despite a potentially expensive price tag, a House Subcommittee advanced a proposal to require schools to hang portraits of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington where K-5 students learn about social studies in public schools.

No lawmakers opposed HB 371, entitled “Patriotic Displays in Classrooms,” during the Education Administration Subcommittee hearing. The panel voted 16-0 for the bill.

Rep. John Snyder, the bill sponsor, called his legislation “one of the shortest bills … that I’ve done.”

“I think it’s one of the more important pieces of legislation,” he added, to “hopefully help shape the hearts and minds of the next generation.”

Thursday’s hearing did not mention anything about how much the pictures would cost taxpayers other than Snyder, a Stuart Republican, saying, “What we’re doing in this bill is subject to a Legislative appropriation to help us celebrate America’s 250th birthday.”

Staff bill analysis warned of “significant negative fiscal impact” for the Florida Department of Education.

“The exact cost depends on the method by which the portraits are made available for each specified classroom and which portraits the DOE selects,” the analysis said. “The implementation of this bill is contingent upon appropriation of funding.”

The debate was brief Thursday, with only one member of the public speaking out against it.

It was HB 371’s first Committee stop, with one left to go before advancing to the House floor.

The similar Senate companion bill (SB 420) is moving through the upper chamber after being filed by Republican Sen. Danny Burgess. It is scheduled to go before the Senate Rules Committee next week.

The bills come as Florida is gearing up to celebrate America’s birthday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis recently announced state employees will get an extra paid day off on President’s Day, Feb. 16, and state offices will officially close.

In addition, state parks, wildlife management areas and Florida Department of State historical properties will waive fees from Feb. 12 to 16.

“I’m proud Florida is leading the effort at the state level to celebrate America 250,” DeSantis said last month at a press conference.