Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HSB30

Introduced
1/15/25  

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.(See HF 165.)

Impact

By instituting this requirement, HSB30 aims to enhance civic knowledge among high school students in Iowa. Proponents argue that understanding the principles of citizenship and government will better prepare students to engage as informed citizens. The bill is part of a broader movement to emphasize civic education in schools, reflecting the belief that effective participation in democracy requires adequate knowledge about governmental processes and rights. Furthermore, the bill prohibits school districts from charging fees for administering the civics test, which proponents believe will ensure broader access to this educational requirement.

Summary

House Study Bill 30 (HSB30) mandates that all high school students in Iowa must pass the United States citizenship and immigration services naturalization civics test as a prerequisite for graduation, beginning with the school year starting July 1, 2026. The requirement will apply to students in grades nine through twelve, and they must correctly answer at least sixty percent of the questions on the test to pass. This bill also extends a similar requirement to individuals seeking a high school equivalency diploma, ensuring that civics knowledge is a foundational component of educational assessments in the state.

Contention

The implementation of HSB30 could generate considerable debate regarding its implications on educational standards and student readiness. Critics may argue that adding another requirement for graduation could exacerbate existing educational pressures on students without significantly improving civic knowledge or engagement. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding how such testing is standardized and whether it adequately reflects students' understanding of civics, especially considering varying educational backgrounds among students. While supporters emphasize the importance of civic education, detractors may push back against what they view as an increased burden on students and schools.

Companion Bills

IA HF165

Replaced by 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.)

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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.

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 HF2330

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.(See HF 2544.)

IA HF12

A bill for an act relating to social studies instruction in public schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(See HF 132.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.