STATEHOUSE (April 14, 2021) – Legislation to improve civic engagement among young Hoosiers is now law, according to State Reps. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) and Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville).
Barrett and Saunders voted in support of House Enrolled Act 1384 requiring students to take a semester-long civics education course in grades 6, 7 or 8. Barrett said young Hoosiers usually take a government class during their senior year of high school, but this legislation is designed to reach students earlier.
"Adding a civics education course in middle school will provide younger Hoosiers a better understanding of how their government operates and of the core values of our republic," Barrett said. "By the time they reach high school and voting age, we want them to know how to be engaged citizens."
According to Saunders, this legislation comes out of a recommendation from the Civics Education Task Force led by Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch.
"Young Hoosiers will inherit our democracy, and it is our duty to make sure they are educated about how their government works," Saunders said. "In order to keep our state and country moving forward we need to engage all Hoosiers in civics."
For more information on this new law now in effect, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes portions of Wayne County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville) represents House District 54,
which includes Henry County and portions of Rush and Wayne counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
