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Committee advances bill to encourage a yearlong civics course and county-level resources
Summary
SB 745 would have the Department of Education work with county offices to craft resources for a one-year American government and civics course and encourage the State Seal of Civic Engagement to recognize it; the Assembly Education Committee passed the measure to Appropriations.
Senator Ochoa Boggs presented SB 745 and accepted committee amendments to direct the California Department of Education to collaborate with county offices to develop a curriculum guide and resources for a yearlong American government and civics course. The bill also directs districts participating in the State Seal of Civic Engagement to deem completion of a one-year course as satisfying civic-engagement criteria.
Student witnesses told the committee they frequently encounter classmates who cannot name their representatives and that existing one-semester requirements do not allow sufficient time to study state and local government. Witnesses said students often get political information primarily from social media and need instruction in civil discourse, local government processes and how to vote.
Supporters included county offices of education and local civic organizations. The committee accepted amendments and voted the bill out to Appropriations. The committee later reported the bill out on an 8-0 tally.
