DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 352 Reengrossed 2021 Regular Session Hodges
Abstract: Requires further instruction on American history and civics in public schools.
Present law requires the governing authority of each public high school offering American history
and civics as prerequisites to graduation to include specified information regarding the founding
principles of the U.S. in such courses. Proposed law retains present law and adds the following to
the list of required information in such courses:
(1)National sovereignty.
(2)The ideas and form of government that make the American experiment unique.
Proposed law requires that information on the following founding principles of the U.S. be taught
in grades kindergarten through eight:
(1)The Creator-endowed unalienable rights of the people.
(2)Structure of government and separation of powers with checks and balances.
(3)Rule of law.
(4)Equal justice under the law.
(5)Due process.
(6)Individual rights as set forth in the Bill of Rights.
(7)Individual responsibility.
Proposed law requires that instructional materials adopted for use in public schools for such
instruction include the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the U.S., Federalist Papers, and
Gettysburg Address.
(Amends R.S. 17:265; Repeals R.S. 17:268)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Regarding lists of founding principles to be taught, remove certain proposed additions
and limit the ones required in K-8 instruction.
2. Require instructional materials to include certain primary historical documents.