REVISED
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS27402 / S1238
There is broad consensus on the need to help students become more engaged, informed citizens. This bill seeks
to do that by expanding opportunities for civics education in Idaho.
Current law requires students to pass a civics test before they graduate from high school. This bill expands
that law so that a college-credit-bearing exam associated with an advanced civics course, such as the Advanced
Placement Government and Politics test can serve as a way of meeting the requirement.
The bill also emphasizes the importance of providing high-quality teacher training by targeting professional
development dollars for teachers to be trained in civics education instruction.
This is a narrowly crafted bill to create more pathways for students to learn civics and become more engaged
citizens.
FISCAL NOTE
There is no impact to the general fund or any other state fund or expenditure. The bill does allow new options
for meeting current requirements but does not add new requirements. These new options do not require funding
from the general fund or any other state fund or expenditure.
Contact:
Senator Jim L. Patrick
(208) 332-1000
Kate Haas
Kestrel West
(202) 256-2613
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN REVISED: 01/30/2020, 10:28 AM


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 33-1602, 33-6102, 33-6104