Bill > HB1963

This bill aims to enhance media literacy and civic education for high school students in Washington state by modifying existing education requirements. The legislation mandates that each school district offering high school education provide a half-credit civics course, which must now include expanded content beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The new mandatory course elements include voter registration processes, media literacy skills (defined as the ability to decode, analyze, and critically engage with media messages), tools for initiating public policy changes, and factors influencing political participation like gerrymandering. The bill highlights the current challenges facing youth, such as difficulty distinguishing real from fake news, low civic knowledge (noting that only 46% of Americans can name the three branches of government), and limited civic engagement (with 33% of young adults indicating no intention to participate civically in 2024). To support implementation, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction is required to identify and make available appropriate educational materials and resources by September 1, 2025, and commit to reviewing these materials every five years to ensure ongoing relevance. The overall goal is to strengthen students' critical thinking skills, promote informed media consumption, and support democratic participation.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1963&Year=2025&Initiative=false