AB 422

Existing law requires, on or before January 1, 2020, the Superintendent of Public Instruction to recommend to the State Board of Education 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 Superintendent to, among other criteria, consider the successful completion of history, government, and civics courses, including courses that incorporate character education, and voluntary participation in community service or extracurricular activities. Existing law requires, on or before January 31, 2021, the state board to adopt, reject, or modify the criteria recommended by the Superintendent. This bill would require the Superintendent to, when the state board next revises the criteria for the State Seal of Civic Engagement, recommend to the state board revised criteria for awarding the State Seal of Civic Engagement, requiring, along with meeting all other eligibility criteria for the award, a demonstrated understanding of the importance of preserving democracy and its vital institutions, as specified.