HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1683
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to civic education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that nationwide, less than one-third of all adults in the United States can name all three branches of the federal government and only thirty per cent of all adults know that the United States Constitution is the supreme law of our country. Not surprisingly, the United States trails many developed countries in voter turnout.

The legislature finds that Hawaii had the third-lowest voter turnout of all states for the 2020 general election. Despite a newly implemented law to mail a ballot to every registered voter, only 57.5 per cent of all Hawaii registered voters cast a ballot. Hawaii's and the United States' low voter turnout can be traced to the public's minimal understanding of government structure, lack of knowledge in the areas of citizen rights and responsibilities, indifference to public engagement, and low civic literacy.

The legislature further finds that including civic education within the high school curriculum will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and disposition necessary to become informed and engaged citizens. Also, incorporating civic education within the context of United States history will allow students to understand the cornerstones of democracy and the critical need for public participation in future elections.

The purpose of this Act is to promote civic engagement by requiring public and charter high schools to include civic education as a component of United States history courses.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II, subpart B, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A- Civic instruction. (a) Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, all United States history courses offered in public high schools and charter school high schools shall include a component in civic education.

(b) In consultation with the commission to promote and advance civic education established pursuant to rule 23 of the rules of the supreme court of the State of Hawaii, the department shall establish content for civic education taught pursuant to subsection (a) that includes:

(1) Instruction on the three branches of the United States government;

(2) Instruction on the Constitution of the United States;

(3) Instruction designed to provide each student with sufficient knowledge to pass the United States Citizenship and Immigrations Services civics test; and

(4) The completion and submission of a voter registration form for each student who:

(A) Has not registered or preregistered to vote; and

(B) Is eligible to register or preregister to vote pursuant to part II of chapter 11."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

DOE; Charter Schools; Judiciary; Commission to Promote and Advance Civic Education; Civic Education; Curriculum

Description:

Requires the Department of Education, in consultation with the Commission to Promote and Advance Civic Education, to develop and implement curriculum in civic education as a component of high school United States history courses.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.