2019 -- H 5547

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LC000976

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - CIVIC LITERACY

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Newberry, Place, Chippendale, Roberts, and Nardone

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2019

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Title 16 of the General Laws entitled "EDUCATION" is hereby amended

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by adding thereto the following chapter:

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CHAPTER 22.3

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THE CIVICS LITERACY ACT

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     16-22.3-1. Short title.

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     This chapter shall be known and may be cited as "The Civics Literacy Act".

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     16-22.3-2. Legislative findings.

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     The legislature finds and declares that:

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     (1) The adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the signing of the

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United States Constitution were principal events in the history of the United States, the

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Declaration of Independence providing the philosophical foundation on which this nation rests

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and the Constitution of the United States providing its structure of government.

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     (2) The Federalist Papers embody the most eloquent and forceful argument made in

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support of the adoption of our republican form of government.

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     (3) These documents stand as the foundation of our form of democracy providing at the

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same time the basis of our national identity and the vehicle for orderly growth and change.

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     (4) Many Americans lack even the most basic knowledge and understanding of the

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history of our nation and the principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence, codified in

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the Constitution and defended in the Federalist Papers.

 

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     (5) The survival of the republic requires that our nation's children, the future guardians of

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its heritage, and participants in its governance, have a firm knowledge and understanding of its

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principles and history.

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     16-22.3-3. Purpose.

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     The purpose and intent of this chapter is to require, during the high school years, the

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teaching of the nation's founding and related documents, which shall include the Declaration of

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Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Federalist Papers.

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     16-22.3-4. Administration.

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     The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall adopt and promulgate

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rules and regulations for the administration of this chapter to:

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     (1) Participants in the course(s) of study address and answer questions on the contents of

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the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Federalist Papers; and

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     (2) Specifically provide for curriculum content and teacher training to ensure that the

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intent of this legislation is satisfied.

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     16-22.3-5. Reporting and accountability.

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     The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall submit an annual report

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to the governor and the legislature describing the specific rules and regulations issued pursuant to

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this chapter and reporting the effectiveness of these rules and regulations as measured by the

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passage of the course or courses required by ยง 16-22.3-3.

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     16-22.3-6. Severability.

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     If any provisions of this chapter are declared unconstitutional, or the applicability of any

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provisions to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the constitutionality of the remainder of

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this chapter and its applicability to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - CIVIC LITERACY

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     This act would require the commissioner of elementary and secondary education to adopt

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a course of study on the nation's founding and related documents, including the Declaration of

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Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Federalist Papers.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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