The bill establishes the State Seal of Civic Readiness to recognize high school graduates who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in civic knowledge, skills, and engagement. The local board of education will award this seal to graduating seniors who meet criteria set by the State Board of Education, with school district participation being voluntary. The criteria will build upon existing high school graduation requirements in social studies and will not impose additional requirements. It will include multiple flexible pathways to ensure equitable access for all students, requiring proficiency in civic knowledge, voluntary engagement in community service or civic-focused extracurricular activities, and the completion of a capstone project or portfolio related to citizenship.

Additionally, the Commissioner of Education is tasked with preparing certificates and insignias for students who earn the State Seal of Civic Readiness, which will be affixed to their transcripts. The commissioner will also provide necessary information to school districts for program participation and maintain records of students awarded the seal. A report detailing the number of students awarded the seal will be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature by September 1 of each school year. The act will take effect immediately and apply to the second full school year following its enactment.