Civics Test Bill Barely Alive

Sen. Jim Patrick’s (pictured) bill to require high school students to pass a civics test is alive — but just barely. The Senate Education Committee sent the bill to the Senate floor for amendments late Wednesday afternoon — after attempts to pass the bill, and defeat the bill, failed on identical tied votes. The split on the committee reflected the divided testimony on Patrick’s Senate Bill 1071 . Supporters echoed the Twin Falls Republican’s contention that a test will give graduates a better understanding of civics and government. Ada County chief deputy clerk Phil McGrane said the test could even help stem a “steady, constant decline” in voting and voter registration. “Something needs to be done”/ Kevin Richert , IDEDNews.org. More here (second item) .

Question: We had a civics-test requirement to graduate high school back in the day in my town. Obviously, I passed. No big deal. But I don’t know if I support this legislation. Thoughts?