Lawmakers want to pay schools to require students to wear uniforms to class. A House committee has approved a bill paying schools up to ten dollars per student in kindergarten through eighth grade if they enact a dress code.
Representative Janet Adkins says schools all over the state testified that uniforms improve safety and reduce teasing and bullying.
“When you have such diverse communities come together and are singing the same song, and are giving the same testimony, of the effectiveness of standard student attire.", said Adkins. "It was very compelling evidence.”
The proposal could cost as much as $10 million.
The uniforms would have to be solid colors for tops and bottoms. Schools could add a logo to the uniform, but not a motto or slogan.
The bill now heads to the House education committee.