SB 745: American government and civics: curriculum guide: State Seal of Civic Engagement.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

(1)Existing law requires a pupil to complete designated coursework while in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, in order to receive a diploma of graduation from high school. These graduation requirements include, among others, the completion of 3 courses in social studies, including a one-semester course in American government and civics.

Existing law establishes the Instructional Quality Commission and requires the commission to, among other things, recommend curriculum frameworks to the State Board of Education.

This bill, subject to appropriation by the Legislature for this purpose, would require the State Department of Education, in collaboration with, and subject to the approval of, the executive director of the state board, to enter into a contract with a county office of education or a consortium of county offices of education for the purpose of developing a curriculum guide for a one-year course in American government and civics, as provided. The bill would require the curriculum guide to include, among other things, fundamentals on federal, state, and local government, as provided, and specified information relating to voting.

(2)Existing law requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction, on or before January 1, 2020, to recommend to the state board criteria for awarding a State Seal of Civic Engagement to pupils who have demonstrated excellence in civics education and participation and have demonstrated an understanding of the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and the democratic system of government. Existing law requires the state board, on or before January 31, 2021, to adopt, reject, or modify the criteria recommended by the Superintendent.

This bill would provide that a pupil’s successful completion of a one-year course in American government and civics satisfies specified criteria adopted by the state board related to the State Seal of Civic Engagement. The bill would require a pupil who has successfully completed a one-year course in American government and civics, in order to receive the State Seal of Civic Engagement, to still satisfy all other criteria adopted by the state board.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2 · Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. August 29, 2025August 29 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.
2. July 16, 2025July 16 set for first hearing. Placed on APPR. suspense file.
3. July 7, 2025Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
4. July 3, 2025From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (July 2).
5. June 5, 2025Referred to Com. on ED.
6. May 29, 2025In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
7. May 29, 2025Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 38. Noes 0. Page 1329.) Ordered to the Assembly.
8. May 27, 2025Ordered to special consent calendar.
9. May 23, 2025Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
10. May 23, 2025From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 6. Noes 0. Page 1211.) (May 23).
11. May 20, 2025Set for hearing May 23.
12. May 19, 2025May 19 hearing: Placed on APPR. suspense file.