WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HSB 30

A bill for an act requiring students to pass the United States citizenship and immigration services naturalization civics test as a condition of high school graduation and high school equivalency diplomas.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Requires high school graduation (and GED) to pass the USCIS civics test (60% needed) for grades 9–12, starting 2026, with free administration and unlimited retakes.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 165.
#civics #highschoolequivalencydiplomas #schools #students
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HSB 30

Summary of Bill: HSB 30 (renumbered HF 165)

Overview

HSB 30 proposes a new graduation requirement tied to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalization civics test. Beginning with the 2026-07-01 school year, students in grades 9–12 in public schools and accredited nonpublic schools would need to pass a civics assessment based on the USCIS civics test to graduate high school or receive a high school equivalency diploma. The bill has advanced through the Education committee and was renumbered as HF 165.

Key Provisions

  • Requirement: Passing the USCIS naturalization civics test as a condition of high school graduation and of obtaining a high school equivalency diploma.
  • Grade levels: Applies to students in grades 9–12 in public districts and accredited nonpublic schools.
  • Assessment: An examination consisting of the multiple-choice questions from the most recent version of the USCIS civics test.
  • Passing threshold: At least 60% correct to attain a passing score.
  • Retakes: Students who do not pass may retake the assessment as many times as necessary.
  • Fees: No fees may be imposed by school districts or accredited nonpublic schools for administering the assessment.
  • Rulemaking: The state Board of Education must adopt rules to administer these provisions.
  • High school equivalency diplomas: Individuals seeking a high school equivalency diploma must also pass the same examination.

Implementation and Timeline

  • Effective date: Beginning with the 2026 school year (July 1, 2026).
  • Administration: Schools must administer the assessment under rules adopted by the State Board of Education.
  • Version of civics test: The assessment uses the most recent version of the USCIS civics test.

Affected Parties

  • Public school students in grades 9–12.
  • Accredited nonpublic school students.
  • Public school districts and nonpublic school authorities.
  • Individuals pursuing a high school equivalency diploma (e.g., GED).
  • State and local education agencies responsible for administering graduation requirements.

Legislative History (as of current actions)

  • Introduced: January 15, 2025 (referred to Education).
  • Subcommittee: January 22, 2025 (recommendation of passage; members Henderson, Kniff McCulla, Levin).
  • Subcommittee action: Recommendation to pass.
  • Committee: January 28, 2025 (vote: Yeas 14, Nays 8, Excused 1); recommended passage.
  • Committee report: January 28–30, 2025 (renumbered as HF 165).
  • Status: Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 165.

Notes

  • The bill emphasizes civics literacy through an established federal civics assessment framework and delegates implementation details to the State Board of Education through rulemaking.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.