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Bill to Reestablish Statewide Civics Advisory Commission Advances with DOE Resources Already Available
Summary
Rep. Dave Luna proposed HB 1307 to set up a standing civics commission to develop a K–12 framework and professional development; the Department of Education told the committee an earlier commission produced 78 free New Hampshire civics lessons on Discovery Education published Aug. 1, 2025.
Representative Dave Luna introduced HB 1307 to create a statutory civics commission to develop a comprehensive civics curriculum framework, design professional development programs, and promote hands‑on civic experiences for students. Luna said the proposal grew from the New Hampshire Civic Summit and requests from the judiciary and civic organizations for more student interaction with the three branches of government.
Melissa White, the DOE’s division director for learner support, told the committee that an earlier, 2023 commission completed a New Hampshire civics textbook and resource set and published a New Hampshire civics channel on Discovery Education on 08/01/2025 with 78 lessons (K–12) and professional‑development supports. White said the core civics materials are freely available to districts and that Discovery Education has usage metrics and provides professional development through its partners.
Committee members probed whether the new commission would develop curricular materials or function as an advisory body and whether it would duplicate or augment resources already available. Witnesses and public commenters urged that existing standards be reviewed and that any commission coordinate with prior efforts rather than duplicate them. Luna said the commission’s ongoing advisory role and professional‑development work were the main purposes.
No vote was taken; members asked for links and reports from the DOE and suggested amendments to clarify scope and timelines.
