The House Education Committee has endorsed legislation to require Idaho students to pass the same civics test that new immigrants must pass for citizenship before they graduate from high school, sending SB 1071a to the full House for a final vote. “Students do need to be encouraged to be better citizens and to understand our country and why we fight for it,” Sen. Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls, told the representatives. “We could lose our country if they don’t understand it.”

Rep. Terry Gestrin, R-Donnelly, a co-sponsor of the bill, said, “Normally I’m opposed to high-stakes testing, but I do not view this as a high-stakes test.” Backers said the test isn’t difficult. Rep. Ryan Kerby, R-New Plymouth, said he, too, didn’t see the civics test as a “high-stakes” test. “It’s just something kids should know,” he said. “This is a really nice piece of legislation.” Kerby said the subject matter and test could be easily integrated into history and government classes.