The proposed bill would amend current statutes by adding a new section, 15-710.03, to the Arizona Revised Statutes, which mandates that each public school observe "Celebrate Freedom Week." During this week, schools would be required to include specific civics instruction in social studies courses for grades one through twelve. This instruction would cover the original intent and historical context of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, as well as the relationship of these documents to various topics in U.S. history, such as immigration, the American Revolution, and the abolitionist movement. Additionally, students in grades three through twelve would be required to recite a passage from the Declaration of Independence, with exemptions available for certain circumstances.

The bill also outlines administrative responsibilities for the State Board of Education (SBE), including the adoption of rules to implement the new requirements and ensuring that public schools do not censor religious references in the founding documents. The term "Celebrate Freedom Week" is defined as either the week that includes September 17 or another week designated by the school's governing body. The legislation would be officially titled the "Return to Civics Instruction Act."

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-710.03
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-710.03