Senate File 369 introduces new requirements for high school students in Iowa regarding civics education. The bill mandates the development and distribution of a civics test, based on the most recent version from the U.S. citizenship and immigration services, to be administered to students in grades nine through twelve starting July 1, 2026. Students must achieve a passing score of at least sixty percent to graduate, and they may retake the test as needed without incurring any fees. Additionally, the bill requires local public school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to comply with these testing requirements and report results to the Department of Education annually.

The bill also includes provisions for the issuance of high school equivalency diplomas, which will now be granted to individuals who pass the civics test and demonstrate competence in core academic areas. Furthermore, the Department of Education is tasked with studying the correlation between high school graduation rates and civics test performance, with a report due to the General Assembly by June 30, 2029. This study provision will be repealed after the report is submitted. Overall, the bill aims to enhance civics education and ensure that students are adequately prepared for civic participation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256.9, 256E.7, 280.9A
Reprinted: 256.9, 280.9A, 256E.7
Enrolled: 256.9, 280.9A, 256E.7