WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 138

A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on the state of civic education in Pennsylvania and develop recommendations on cost-efficient, feasible steps that the Commonwealth can adopt to increase the accessibility and quality of civic education opportunities for students.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Anthony Bellmon and 26 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania commissions study on civic education quality and accessibility, requesting recommendations for cost-effective improvements to student participation and democratic knowledge.

Referred to Education
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 138

Legislative bill overview

HR 138 directs Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study the current state of civic education across the state and develop recommendations for improving accessibility and quality while maintaining cost-efficiency. The study would examine existing civic education programs and propose feasible steps the Commonwealth could implement.

Why is this important

Civic education—teaching students about government, citizenship, and democratic participation—directly influences voter engagement, political knowledge, and civic participation rates. Pennsylvania's approach to this education could affect how well-prepared students are to participate in democracy, and recommendations from this study could shape state education policy and funding priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope: What counts as "civic education" varies widely (civics classes, service learning, debate clubs, etc.), and disagreement may emerge over which programs the study should prioritize or recommend funding for.
  • Cost vs. quality tradeoff: Identifying "cost-efficient" improvements may mean some stakeholders believe recommendations don't go far enough, while others worry about unfunded mandates on schools already stretched financially.
  • Curriculum content concerns: Civic education can touch on controversial topics (voting rights, historical injustices, current political issues); some may dispute what should be taught versus how much emphasis specific topics deserve.

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

Sign in to ask a question.