House committee hears resolution encouraging K–12 students to read Declaration of Independence during 2025–26 school year

House Concurrent Resolution 22, sponsored by Representative Romer and Representative Daniels, was presented to the House Education Committee to encourage students in grades 1–12 to read and discuss the U.S. Declaration of Independence during the 2025–26 school year in recognition of the 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. "This resolution does not institute a mandate," Representative Daniels said, framing the measure as a civics and civil‑literacy initiative aimed at ensuring students engage with the document’s language and ideas.

The sponsors described local examples and historical commemorations and said the resolution is intended to be nonpartisan and widely supported. Representative Romer described classroom approaches that vary by grade level and emphasized vocabulary and civic context. Several members praised the idea; Representative Newman asked whether the sponsors knew how many schools already include a reading of the Declaration and was told the sponsors were unaware of a direct count.

Ranking member Bridal suggested adding the word "study" to the directive (making it "read, discuss and study") and proposed that the Department of Education create or share a clearinghouse of lesson plans for teachers. Sponsors welcomed follow‑up with the department and said they were open to making the resolution bipartisan and unanimous.

No vote was taken on HCR22 at this meeting; the committee thanked the sponsors and indicated it would take up the resolution for further consideration at a later date.