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Bill > HF520
IA HF520
IA HF520A bill for an act relating to social studies instruction, including instruction in United States government, provided to students enrolled in grades nine through twelve, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HF 236.)
summary
Introduced
02/20/2025
02/20/2025
In Committee
04/03/2025
04/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to social studies instruction, including instruction in United States government, provided to students enrolled in grades 9 through 12. The bill requires students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to complete a minimum of one unit of United States government instruction as part of the social studies curriculum. The bill provides that the United States government instruction shall include instruction related to civics. Under current law, students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools are required to complete a minimum of one-half unit of United States government instruction. The bill applies to school years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.
AI Summary
This bill increases the required United States government instruction for high school students in Iowa from one-half to one full unit, expanding the curriculum requirements for grades 9-12 across school districts, charter schools, and accredited nonpublic schools. The new requirements mandate that the one-unit government course must comprehensively cover voting procedures, including statutes, voter registration requirements, ballot types, and absentee voting methods. Additionally, the curriculum must include a study of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, with an assessment of students' knowledge of these foundational documents. The bill also introduces a new component requiring civics instruction that focuses on citizens' roles and responsibilities in society and in state and local governments. These changes will apply to school years beginning on or after July 1, 2026, giving schools time to adjust their social studies curriculum to meet the new, more comprehensive government and civics education standards.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Education (House)
Last Action
Referred to Education. H.J. 895. (on 04/03/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF520 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF520.html |
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