This bill establishes a new civics graduation requirement for undergraduate students in the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) and the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH), effective July 1, 2027. To fulfill this requirement, students must either pass the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services civics naturalization test with a score of 70 or better, complete a civics course covering fundamental American documents, or pass a civics course competency test. Exemptions are provided for exchange students, foreign nationals, military personnel, and certain veterans, as well as for students who graduated from a New Hampshire high school after January 1, 2026, or from a community college with an associate degree after January 1, 2028.

The bill introduces new sections to RSA 187-A and RSA 188-F, specifically inserting the word "degree" in RSA 188-F:6-b, I, to clarify that the requirement applies only to students in academic degree programs. Institutions are responsible for creating procedures to administer and record assessment results, while also ensuring accommodations for students with disabilities. The fiscal impact of implementing this requirement is expected to be indeterminable, with potential increases in operating expenses for USNH and CCSNH, which may lead to higher tuition or reduced financial aid for students. The bill aims to enhance students' understanding of American civics and prepare them for civic engagement upon graduation.