SPONSOR: Martin
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass with HCS" by the Standing Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education by a vote of 16 to 0. Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Rules- Legislative by a vote of 11 to 0.
The following is a summary of the House Committee Substitute for HCR 31.
This House Concurrent Resolution recognizes the core importance of education on patriotism, citizenship, and civics and the significant importance of civic engagement. The Resolution creates an award entitled the "State of Missouri Seal of Civic Recognition" for each senior who meets the specific criteria for various levels of the Seal of Civic Recognition.
The Civics and Patriotism Workgroup at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must establish and advertise specific criteria for a bronze, silver, and gold level of Recognition.
Examples for eligibility criteria for level designation are outlined in the bill and includes academic instruction and achievement, participation and leadership, and participation in mentorship programs.
The Resolution requires schools to submit names and achievement level to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education which will award the appropriate seal that schools will ensure will accompany the student's high school diploma.
The Resolution encourages cooperating civic organizations to provide additional support in the form of scholarship assistance or other incentives and any student that serves in military service or the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program will receive a "Letter of Congratulations, Commendation, and State Gratitude" signed by the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President Pro Tem of the Senate, and the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Missouri.
The following is a summary of the public testimony from the committee hearing. The testimony was based on the introduced version of the bill. PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this legislation will encourage civic awareness and encourage civic engagement. Several other states have similar programs. Students should be rewarded for their commitment to patriotism and civic ethics. This creates a merit model for all students and can be a local district option based on statewide standards.
Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Martin; Brian Keller, Missouri Civic Learning Coalition; and Jim Martin.
OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.
Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.