Civics Learning Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8402
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-04T15:57:55Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Civics Learning Act of 2026 (H.R. 8402) aims to boost civics education in U.S. schools by amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). It addresses concerns about low civic knowledge—such as poor survey results on government branches, the Constitution, and rights—through expanded grants for innovative programs, with a focus on history like the civil rights movement and suffrage.
Key Provisions
- Findings Section: Highlights issues like political polarization, low civics test scores (e.g., only 22% of 8th graders proficient in 2022), and lack of knowledge about government basics, urging better education to strengthen democracy.
- Grant Program Amendments (to ESEA Section 2233):
- Prioritizes "innovative civics learning and teaching," especially in high-need schools (schools with high poverty or other challenges).
- Expands allowable grant activities to include:
- Hands-on civic engagement for students and teachers.
- Lessons on the U.S. Constitution (including Bill of Rights), women's suffrage, and civil rights.
- Before/after-school, extracurricular, service learning, student governance, and online/video game-based programs.
- Requires grant diversity: Spread across urban, suburban, rural areas and public elementary schools.
- Allocates funding: At least 30% for elementary, 30% for middle school, and no more than 40% for high school programs.
- Gives preference to programs strengthening civics via listed activities.
- Mandates annual reports to Congress detailing grantees, success in meeting goals, and program recommendations.
- Authorizes $70 million for fiscal year 2027 (in addition to existing funds).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Prioritization and Expansion: Shifts grants to explicitly prioritize civics innovation and high-need schools; adds specific activities like civil rights education and digital learning (previously more general).
- Diversity and Allocation Rules: New requirements for geographic balance and grade-level funding splits (elementary/middle emphasis).
- Accountability Additions: Introduces grant preferences, detailed annual reporting to Congress, and separate funding authorization—enhancing oversight and focus on civics.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: U.S. Department of Education must manage diverse grants, track outcomes, and report annually—increasing administrative workload but with dedicated funding.
- Citizens/Students: More accessible civics programs could improve knowledge of democracy, rights, and history, potentially reducing polarization and boosting participation; benefits ~60%+ of funds for younger students.
- Schools: High-need and public elementary/middle schools gain priority access to resources for engaging activities.
- No direct international effects.
Main Stakeholders
- Students and Teachers: Primary beneficiaries, especially in elementary/middle schools and high-need areas.
- Schools: Public K-12 institutions, with emphasis on elementary.
- U.S. Department of Education: Oversees grants and reporting.
- Congress: Receives reports (House Education and Workforce Committee; Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee).
- Bipartisan Sponsors: 22 representatives from both parties, signaling broad support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Builds on existing ESEA grant framework without new mandates on states; uses competitive grants, respecting federalism (no direct curriculum control).
- Constitutional: Promotes civic education on core topics like the Constitution and Bill of Rights, aligning with democratic values; inclusive history (e.g., civil rights) avoids viewpoint discrimination.
- Political: Responds to documented civic literacy gaps amid division; funding boost could spark debates on federal education role, but bipartisan backing reduces controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5]
Cosponsors (22)
Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-04-21: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-21: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Civics Learning Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-21 — PDF (7 pages)