CO HB1139

Authorizes Colorado public schools in kindergarten through eighth grade to offer an "American civics course of study option" as an alternative way to meet state academic standards in civics education.

Requires the course to emphasize foundational factual knowledge in seven core areas: the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, the three branches of federal government with checks and balances, federalism, individual rights in the Bill of Rights, Colorado's government structure, the Colorado Constitution, and U.S. citizenship rights and responsibilities.

Mandates that if Colorado's civics standards require studying other countries' government systems, schools using this option must include comparative analysis between the foreign country and the U.S. system, specifically comparing independent judiciary, individual rights, and limits on governmental power.

Encourages, but does not require, schools to seek community input through existing community forum processes when developing the American civics course option.

Takes effect August 2, 2019, subject to referendum petition, in which case voter approval at the November 2020 general election would be required.