The Idaho Governor has signed House Bill 623, which mandates that all public schools begin their day with a 60-second period of silence. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug, states that this time is intended for students and staff to "reflect, pray, or meditate". However, it prohibits teachers from instructing or influencing students. Critics have raised concerns that this could use this time for organized prayer, which they argue violates the separation of church and state.