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Committee adopts substitute creating patriotism recognition program; DESE to produce seals
Summary
A committee substitute to HCR 31 creating a patriotism/civics recognition work group and DESE-produced gold/silver/bronze seals was adopted by the committee; the recorded vote was corrected later to 16-0 (clerical correction).
The committee adopted a substitute for House Concurrent Resolution 31 that establishes a patriotism and civics recognition work group to set standards and award gold, silver and bronze seals produced by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The substitute sets three primary criteria: academic performance in social studies/civics, civic involvement (clubs/organizations), and mentorship opportunities, and includes special recognition for students entering military service.
The sponsor described consolidation of stakeholder input and said DESE would produce the physical seals and the patriotism work group would set qualifications, market the program to schools, and accept student nominations. The sponsor said the substitute preserved the "core purpose" of recognizing civic engagement while improving the bill's structure and implementation clarity.
Ranking member Representative Steinhoff expressed support for the substitute, praising stakeholder engagement and noting the approach should reduce potential fiscal impacts by using existing pathways. The committee adopted the substitute by voice and then on roll call; the secretary initially announced a 15-0 tally, and later the chair announced a clerical correction to report the vote as 16-0 in favor.
The substitute will move forward as the committee's recommendation on HCR 31.
