Public Law 97‑280 (October 4, 1982)

Here is the authoritative explanation of **Public Law 97‑280**:

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Public Law 97‑280 (October 4, 1982)

Subject:  A joint resolution authorizing and requesting the President to proclaim 1983 as the “Year of the Bible".

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Public Law 97‑280 was enacted by the 97th U.S. Congress on **October 4, 1982**. It is a **symbolic, ceremonial resolution**—not a regulatory or administrative law—intended to acknowledge the historical cultural influence of the Bible in the United States.

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What Public Law 97‑280 Does**

Designates 1983 as the “Year of the Bible”

The law **authorizes and requests the President** to officially proclaim 1983 as a national “Year of the Bible.” [\[congress.gov\]](https://www.congress.gov/.../STATUT.../STATUTE-96-Pg1211.pdf), [\[en.wikisource.org\]](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Public_Law_97-280)

 

States Congressional Findings

The text contains a series of “Whereas” statements declaring that:

* The Bible has made a **unique contribution** to shaping the U.S. as a nation.

* Early American settlers were driven by **religious convictions derived from Scripture**.

* Biblical principles influenced U.S. civil government, including ideas found in the **Declaration of Independence and the Constitution**.

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Presidents such as **Washington, Jackson, Lincoln, and Wilson** acknowledged the Bible’s formative role in the nation.

Renewing knowledge of Scripture could strengthen the nation during challenging times. [\[congress.gov\]](https://www.congress.gov/.../STATUT.../STATUTE-96-Pg1211.pdf), [\[en.wikisource.org\]](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Public_Law_97-280)

Legislative Process

* Originated as **Senate Joint Resolution 165**.

* Passed the Senate on **March 31, 1982** and the House on **September 21, 1982**.

* Signed into law by President **Ronald Reagan** on **October 4, 1982**. [\[congress.gov\]](https://www.congress.gov/.../STATUT.../STATUTE-96-Pg1211.pdf)

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Context and Aftermath

Following the passage of Public Law 97‑280:

 

President Reagan later issued **Proclamation 5018**, formally declaring 1983 the “Year of the Bible.” [\[nationalli...liance.org\]](https://www.nationallibertyalliance.org/.../public_law_97...)

* The law was challenged in federal court in **Gaylor v. Reagan**, where plaintiffs argued the proclamation violated separation of church and state, though the case addressed constitutional questions rather than altering the law itself. [\[law.justia.com\]](https://law.justia.com/.../distric.../FSupp/553/356/1573854/)

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Summary

Public Law 97‑280** is a **symbolic cultural resolution**, not a binding regulatory statute. It expresses Congress’s view of the Bible’s historical influence on American society and requests a presidential proclamation naming 1983 the “Year of the Bible.” It does **not** create enforceable rights, obligations, or programs.