ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-sixth Legislature First Regular Session
	Senate: ED DPA 5-2-0-0 | APPROP DPA 8-2-0-0 | 3rd Read 16-12-2-0 House: ED DP 8-2-0-0

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SB 1054: middle school students; civics; instruction

NOW: students; civics education; development program

Sponsor: Senator Gowan, LD 19

Caucus & COW

Overview

Establishes the Arizona Civics Education and Leadership Development Program (Program) and the Arizona Civics Education and Leadership Development Program Fund (Program Fund). Appropriates monies to the Program Fund.

History

The State Board of Education (SBE) must include, in the high school social studies academic standards, American civics education. Laws 2022, Chapter 303 also requires SBE to: 1) include a comparative discussion of political ideologies that conflict with the U.S.'s founding principles in the high school social studies academic standards; 2) develop civic education standards that include instruction on the original intent of the U.S.'s founding documents and principles and the civic-minded expectations of an upright and desirable citizenry; and 3) maintain a list of oral history resources to be used along with the civic education and social studies standards (A.R.S. §§ 15-701.01, 15-718).

Through the graduating class of 2025, high school students must correctly answer at least 60 questions on the required civics test to graduate or receive a high school equivalency diploma. Beginning with the graduating class of 2026, students must correctly answer at least 70 questions (A.R.S. § 15-701.01).

Laws 2020, Chapter 25 designates September 25th of each year as Sandra Day O'Connor Civics Celebration Day. On this day, public schools must dedicate a majority of the day to civics education (A.R.S. §§ 1-319, 15-710.01).

High school students who have attained a high level of proficiency in civics may have the state seal of civics literacy affixed to their diploma. Students must complete all high school social studies courses with at least a 3.0 GPA, pass the required civics test and complete prescribed civics activities (A.R.S. § 15-259).

Provisions

1. Creates the Program within ADE to provide civics education and leadership development training to middle school and high school students. (Sec. 1)

2. Directs ADE to develop procedures for eligible nonprofit organizations (organizations) to apply to participate in the Program and allows ADE to approve an application if the organization:

a) is a 501(c)(3) organization;

b) has provided American civics education and leadership development training for at least 5 years to students who are at least 10 years old;

c) advances the principles of a democratic republic through multigenerational civics education, civil discourse and civic engagement;

d) can provide American civics education and leadership development training to middle school or high school students; and

e) submits a copy of its curriculum and all course materials. (Sec. 1)

3. Details the American civics education and leadership development training must:

a) promote civil service and engagement and prepare students for the duties of citizenship;

b) provide opportunities to identify and debate issues regarding a democratic republic;

c) include education or training on the:

i. history of the U.S., Constitution and Bill of Rights;

ii. Declaration of Independence;

iii. composition and roles of the branches of government;

iv. roles and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic republic; or

v. benefits for citizens in a democratic republic in contrast to other governments; and

d) include education or training on the original intent of the U.S.'s founding documents and principles as found in source documents, with emphasis on the Bill of Rights and the arguments within the Federalist Papers. (Sec. 1)

4. Mandates each approved organization submit, by November 1st annually, a Program report to ADE that details:

a) the number and types of activities conducted;

b) the number of students served; and

c) the outcomes achieved. (Sec. 1)

5. Instructs ADE to compile and submit the reports to specified entities. (Sec. 1)

6. Establishes the Program Fund that consists of legislative appropriations, gifts, grants and donations and states Program Fund monies are continuously appropriated and exempt from lapsing. (Sec. 1)

7. Directs ADE to administer the Program Fund and distribute monies to approved organizations. (Sec. 1)

8. Limits the use of Program Fund monies by organizations to:

a) stipends for civics leaders and counselors and wages for program staff;

b) educational materials; and

c) food, beverages, clothing and transportation. (Sec. 1)

9. Appropriates $300,000 from the state General Fund in FY 2024 to the Program Fund and exempts the appropriation from lapsing. (Sec. 2)                                            

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13.                   SB 1054

14. Initials CH/SJ        Page 0 Caucus & COW

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