EDUCATION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding civics instruction.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 397 mandates a standardized civics test for Idaho secondary students, ensuring they demonstrate civic knowledge as a graduation requirement starting 2026-2027.

Reported Signed by Governor on April 3, 2025 Session Law Chapter 279 Effective: 07/01/2025

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Summary of House Bill 397: Civics Instruction Revision

Bill Number: H 397
Title: EDUCATION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding civics instruction
Status: Reported Signed by Governor on April 3, 2025
Effective Date: July 1, 2025
Introduced: March 11, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Education, Government, Schools and School Districts, Students, Teaching and Teachers

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 397 aims to enhance civics education for secondary students in Idaho by establishing a standardized civics test as a graduation requirement. This legislation seeks to ensure that all students demonstrate proficiency in civics and government standards, thereby fostering informed citizenship.

Key Provisions

Standardized Civics Test:

The bill replaces the locally determined civics test with a new test developed by the State Department of Education, which must be approved by the State Board of Education.
The test will be based on the Idaho content standards in American government and will include components such as:
The influence of Western civilization on the American republic
The Declaration of Independence
Principles of the U.S. Constitution
The legislative process
The role of the Bill of Rights
Functions of state and local government

Implementation Timeline:

The new civics test requirement will apply to all secondary students starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
Students who graduate before January 1, 2029, and have already met the previous civics requirement will be exempt from the new test.

Documentation and Assessment:

School districts must document students' successful completion of the civics test on their transcripts.
Students may take the civics test at any time after enrolling in grade 9 and can retake it as necessary.

Professional Development Funding:

The state department of education will provide funding for high-quality professional development for teachers focused on advanced civics or government courses.

Impact

Affected Parties:

All secondary students in Idaho will be required to take the new civics test.
Teachers and school districts will need to adapt their curricula and assessment methods to align with the new requirements.

Fiscal Impact:

The bill has been assessed to have no fiscal impact, meaning it will not increase or decrease revenue or expenditures at the state or local level.

Procedural Aspects

The bill was introduced on March 11, 2025, and underwent several readings and committee evaluations before being signed by the Governor on April 3, 2025.

It will take effect on July 1, 2025, allowing time for schools to prepare for the implementation of the new civics test requirement.

This legislation represents a significant shift in how civics education is approached in Idaho, aiming to better prepare students for their roles as informed citizens.