HF 2231: Establishing a seal of civics excellence program administered by the department of education to recognize student excellence in civics

What it does

This bill establishes a seal of excellence program to recognize students graduating from high school who have demonstrated proficiency in civics. The bill directs the department of education to develop and administer the program. The department shall determine the minimum requirements necessary for a student to obtain a civics seal, including knowledge of American government and participation in civic and community activities. The department must produce a civic seal, which may include a sticker for a student’s transcript or a certificate.

House subcommittee · named January 14, 2026

• Rep. Samantha Fett (R) · samantha.fett@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Wendy Larson (R) · wendy.larson@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Elinor A. Levin (D) · elinor.levin@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 14 for, 0 against

For: Alliance for Civic Education of Iowa; Disability Consulting, LC; Iowa Association of Christian Schools; Iowa Association of School Boards; Iowa Catholic Conference; Iowa Chamber Alliance; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council; Iowa State Education Association; League of Women Voters of Iowa; Professional Educators of Iowa; Rural School Advocates of Iowa; School Administrators of Iowa; and 2 more

In plain words

1. January 14, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Education committee · as HSB 558
2. January 14, 2026House subcommittee named: Fett, Larson and Levin · as HSB 558
3. January 26, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it · as HSB 558
4. January 28, 2026Approved by the House committee · as HSB 558
5. January 28, 2026Committee vote: 22–0 · as HSB 558
6. January 30, 2026Filed in the House
7. January 30, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2231 · as HSB 558
8. March 3, 2026Passed the House, 95–0
9. March 4, 2026Arrived in the Senate
10. March 4, 2026Took the place of SF 2361 on the Senate floor (the same legislation)
11. March 4, 2026Passed the Senate, 45–0
12. May 6, 2026Sent to the Governor
13. June 1, 2026Signed into law