Bill Would Outlaw National Anthem Embellishment


(Indianapolis, Ind.) - A bill filed in Indiana’s legislature would demand that the national anthem be sung by the book.

 

State Senator Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville) wrote the bill that would require the Star Spangled Banner, when sung in public, be done in its entirety and without embellishment.

 

The bill won’t target off-key singers, just those who change up the anthem.

 

According to the bill, it "provides that all public schools, charter schools, schools receiving public scholarships, and institutions of higher education must enter into an agreement with any person or group performing the national anthemat any event sponsored by the school that is open to the public to ensure standards for the performance."

 

The Indiana Commission on Higher Education would be charged with developing acceptable words and accompanying music for the anthem. The proposal would also require schools to keep a record of each national anthem performance on file for two years.

 

A violation would land a fine of $25 for the performing individual.

 

Baker’s proposal was heard by a Senate committee on Wednesday, but there’s been no vote on the bill yet.

More from Local News

Events

OCCF Awards Celebration Grant to St. Elizabeth

The funding was awarded to help with Project Heart Restart

Erlanger Teenager Charged with Terroristic Threatening

The charge stems from alleged statements made towards Dixie Heights High School

Veteran Recognition Signs Installed in Aurora Ahead of Veterans Day

A lot of people contributed to this special project.

Local Sports Report - November 5, 2026

Girls High School Basketball Stats and Scores

Local Basketball Stars Chasing 1,000 Career Points

Nearly a dozen local stars are within reach of the career milestone

South Dearborn Cheerleaders Earn HCCA Academic All-State Honors

Academic All-State honorees will be recognized at the Spirit State Championship

On Air

Rick Bernius playing
Dixie Chicks - There's Your Trouble

Eddie Rabbitt Two Dollars in the Jukebox 15:52
Kenny Chesney Til It's Gone 15:49
Alan Jackson A Work In Progress 15:43
Brett Young Drink With You 15:40