Bills › 91st General Assembly
Establishing a seal of civics excellence program administered by the department of education to recognize student excellence in civics
Sponsored by the Senate Education Committee
Topics:K–12 education
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 26, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 3, 2026
- Done: Senate committeeFebruary 16, 2026
- Done: Passes the SenateMarch 4, 202645–0
- Skipped: House committeeSkipped
- Done: Passes the HouseMarch 3, 202695–0
- Done: To the GovernorMay 6, 2026
- Done: Signed into lawJune 1, 2026
HF 2231 became law → The same legislation passed as HF 2231, so this version was set aside. Go to HF 2231 What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
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.
Read the full explanation
A seal of civics excellence may be affixed to the student’s diploma and noted on the student’s transcript. The bill provides that participation in the program by a school district or accredited nonpublic school is voluntary. A participating school must notify the department of the names of students who qualify for a seal, and the department must provide the appropriate number of seals or other authorized endorsement. The department may charge a nominal fee to cover printing and posting charges related to issuance of the civics seal.
From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Changed since by amendment H-8075; see Amendments. Full bill text · What changed before it passed
Senate subcommittee
Named February 3, 2026 (as SSB 3073). On February 9, 2026 it recommended amendment and passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
Iowa Code it changes
Amends§256.9
Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works
Lobbying
14 for · 0 against · 1 undecided · Who →
Family tree
Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.
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91st General Assembly
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