Under existing law, the Superintendent of Public Instruction is required to: (1) establish a State Seal of Civics Program to recognize pupils who graduate high school with a high level of proficiency in civics; (2) create a State Seal of Civics to affix to the diploma of such pupils; (3) establish the criteria for the Program; and (4) adopt regulations that set forth the criteria to designate a school, pupil or teacher or other school employee as a Nevada School of Civic Excellence, Student Civic Leader or Educator Civic Leader, respectively. (NRS 388.5933, 388.5935, 388.5937) Section 2 of this bill creates the Advisory Council on Civics Education within the Department of Education and sets forth the provisions for appointment to and service on the Council. Section 3 of this bill requires the Council to: (1) assist the Superintendent with the development and implementation of the State Seal of Civics Program; and (2) develop and set forth certain criteria for the Program. Section 4 of this bill: (1) requires the Superintendent to develop the Program in cooperation with the Council; (2) authorizes the Superintendent, in consultation with the Council, to adopt any regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of the Program; and (3) authorizes the Superintendent to apply for any available grants and accept any donations or gifts for the support of the Program. Section 5 of this bill revises the grade point average and examination requirements for a pupil to receive the State Seal of Civics. Sections 5 and 6 of this bill revise provisions of the Program to account for the duties of the Council. Section 7 of this bill makes an appropriation to the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement to raise awareness of civics education programs and create awards in areas of civics education. Section 8 of this bill requires the initial members of the Council to draw lots to stagger their initial terms.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 388.5933, 388.5935, 388.5937
BDR: 388.5933, 388.5935, 388.5937