Introduced Version
HOUSE BILL No. 1211
_____
DIGEST OF INTRODUCED BILL
Citations Affected: IC 20-19-3-32.
Synopsis: Civics education. Sets forth certain requirements
concerning civics education. Requires the department of education, in
consultation with the civic education commission and the Indiana Bar
Foundation, to report certain information and recommendations related
to civics education to the general assembly.
Effective: Upon passage.
Rowray
January 9, 2024, read first time and referred to Committee on Education.
2024 IN 1211—LS 6933/DI 152 Introduced
Second Regular Session of the 123rd General Assembly (2024)
PRINTING CODE. Amendments: Whenever an existing statute (or a section of the Indiana
Constitution) is being amended, the text of the existing provision will appear in this style type,
additions will appear in this style type, and deletions will appear in this style type.
Additions: Whenever a new statutory provision is being enacted (or a new constitutional
provision adopted), the text of the new provision will appear in this style type. Also, the
word NEW will appear in that style type in the introductory clause of each SECTION that adds
a new provision to the Indiana Code or the Indiana Constitution.
Conflict reconciliation: Text in a statute in this style type or this style type reconciles conflicts
between statutes enacted by the 2023 Regular Session of the General Assembly.
HOUSE BILL No. 1211
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning
education.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
1 SECTION 1. IC 20-19-3-32 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
2 AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
3 UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 32. (a) As used in this section, "civics based
4 reading instruction materials" means reading instruction materials
5 for kindergarten through grade 3 that concern educational
6 concepts of United States history and civics.
7 (b) The department shall develop methods to provide parents,
8 students, educators, and schools with affordable civics based
9 reading instruction materials.
10 SECTION 2. [EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE] (a) As used in this
11 SECTION, "civics based reading instruction materials" has the
12 meaning set forth in IC 20-19-3-32(a), as added by this act.
13 (b) As used in this SECTION, "department" refers to the
14 department of education established by IC 20-19-3-1.
15 (c) Not later than September 1, 2024, the department shall, in
16 consultation with the Indiana civic education commission
17 established by IC 20-19-10-2 and the Indiana Bar Foundation, do
2024 IN 1211—LS 6933/DI 152 2
1 the following:
2 (1) Identify:
3 (A) affordable civics based reading instruction materials
4 for use by parents, students, educators, and schools;
5 (B) methods to encourage the further development of civics
6 based reading instruction materials for use as curricular
7 materials; and
8 (C) incentives, including grants and tax credits, for the
9 adoption and use of civics based reading instruction
10 materials in public schools and charter schools.
11 (2) Establish recommendations for the general assembly
12 related to creation of a state civic seal program to recognize
13 excellence in civic education among students, educators, and
14 schools, including the following:
15 (A) Awarding of civic seals, including public recognition
16 and financial awards.
17 (B) Potential sources for funding of financial awards
18 described in clause (A), including charitable contributions
19 that are eligible for partial tax credits.
20 (3) Report to the general assembly, in an electronic format
21 under IC 5-14-6, the:
22 (A) information identified under subdivision (1); and
23 (B) recommendations established under subdivision (2).
24 (d) This SECTION expires October 1, 2024.
25 SECTION 3. An emergency is declared for this act.
2024 IN 1211—LS 6933/DI 152