CA SB745

Requires the State Department of Education to contract with a county office of education or consortium to develop a curriculum guide for a one-year course in American government and civics, subject to legislative appropriation

The curriculum guide must cover federal department responsibilities, California state government (legislative, executive, judicial branches), local government institutions, special districts, and tribal governments

Curriculum must include instruction on direct democracy (ballot initiatives, referenda, recalls), civic participation methods, the role of advocacy groups, and tools for constructive political dialogue including Socratic seminars and structured debates

Comprehensive voting education required, covering voter registration eligibility and methods (including preregistration), accessing nonpartisan election information, understanding electoral systems, ballot completion methods, and voter rights

Successful completion of a one-year American government and civics course satisfies specified State Seal of Civic Engagement criteria related to understanding U.S. and California constitutions, government functions, tribal structures, and democratic principles, though students must still meet all other criteria for the seal