Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF165

Caption

A bill for an act requiring students to pass the United States citizenship and immigration services naturalization civics test as a condition of high school graduation and high school equivalency diplomas.(Formerly HSB 30.)

Impact

The bill aims to embed civic education within the state’s high school curriculum, reflecting a commitment to ensuring that graduates have a foundational understanding of U.S. history and government. Supporters argue that this requirement is essential for fostering informed and active citizenship among students. They believe that passing a civics test will prepare students better for their roles as citizens and voters. Additionally, the bill prohibits local school districts and nonpublic schools from charging fees related to the administration of the civics test, thereby making it accessible to all students regardless of their financial background.

Summary

House File 165 (HF165) is a legislative proposal that mandates high school students in Iowa to pass the United States citizenship and immigration services naturalization civics test as a prerequisite for high school graduation and for earning high school equivalency diplomas. The requirement is set to take effect for students beginning their schooling in the 2026 school year, applying to all students in grades nine through twelve. To pass the civics test, students must correctly answer at least 60 percent of the questions, and they are allowed to retake the assessment multiple times if they do not pass initially. The implementation of this bill is aimed at enhancing students' knowledge of civic responsibilities and rights as part of their educational development.

Contention

While the bill is designed to promote civic literacy, it may face scrutiny regarding its efficacy and implementation. Critics could argue that placing additional assessment requirements on students might burden educational resources, and questions may arise about the current adequacy of civics instruction in schools to prepare students for such a test. Furthermore, there may be concerns about whether the civics test effectively measures the desired outcomes of civic knowledge and engagement among diverse student populations.

Companion Bills

IA HSB30

Related A bill for an act requiring students to pass the United States citizenship and immigration services naturalization civics test as a condition of high school graduation and high school equivalency diplomas.(See HF 165.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF496

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, authorizing the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in a school district to enroll the student in another attendance center within the same school district in certain specified circumstances, prohibiting instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools in kindergarten through grade six, and modifying provisions related to student health screenings, school district library programs, the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, the department of education, the board of educational examiners, and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools, competent private instruction, and special education, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1145.) Effective date: 05/26/2023, 07/01/2023.

IA SSB1145

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, modifying provisions related to student health screenings and the curriculum in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, competent private instruction, and special education, making appropriations, and providing civil penalties.(See SF 496.)

IA HSB222

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, modifying provisions related to student health screenings and the curriculum in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, competent private instruction, and special education, making appropriations, and providing civil penalties.

IA HF2547

A bill for an act relating to education, including by requiring school engagement meetings and attendance cooperation proceedings when children are absent from school, requiring school districts to restrict student use of cellular phones and smartphones, modifying provisions related to open enrollment of truant students, and modifying penalties. (Formerly HF 2254.)

IA HF2544

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents, and requiring education related to the holocaust for students and teachers in school districts. (Formerly HF 2330.)

IA HF5

A bill for an act relating to education, including requiring the boards of directors of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools to publish certain specified information, modifying provisions related to required social studies instruction, and providing civil penalties.

IA HF2545

A bill for an act relating to education, including by requiring the director of the department of education to review the state's high school graduation requirements, core curriculum, core content standards, and educational standards, requiring the state board of education to review and revise the state's social studies standards, requiring that the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools in grades seven and eight include instruction related to civics, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 2329.) Effective date: 05/15/2024, 07/01/2024.

IA HF132

A bill for an act relating to social studies instruction in public schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(Formerly HF 12.)

IA HF323

A bill for an act authorizing school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools to pay stipends to student teachers.(Formerly HSB 111.)

IA HSB587

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying the social studies curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, and modifying the responsibilities of school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools related to requiring teachers and students to sing the national anthem.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.