Senate Bill 30 mandates that starting in the 2027-28 school year, all school boards, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in a parental choice program must include civics instruction in their curricula. This instruction will cover essential topics such as the rights and responsibilities of citizens, civic engagement, advocacy processes, and comparisons of different governing philosophies. Additionally, these educational institutions will be required to report annually to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) on how they are fulfilling this civics instruction requirement, which DPI will compile and submit to the legislature.

The bill also modifies existing high school graduation requirements by specifying that the three credits of social studies must now include at least half a credit of civics instruction. This change will first apply to students graduating in the 2030-31 school year. The bill includes several new sections to the statutes, such as the creation of specific reporting requirements for charter and private schools regarding their civics curriculum. Amendments to current law include the addition of civics instruction as a necessary component of social studies credits and adjustments to ensure that educational programs align with their religious doctrines. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 118.165(1)(d), 118.165, 118.33(1)(a)1.b, 118.33