Senate Bill 21-067: Senator Lois Court Civics Act of 2021

• Requires Colorado public school civics courses to include instruction on the three branches of government, how laws are enacted at federal/state/local levels, and methods for citizens to shape government and engage with public officials.

• Mandates civics education cover foundational U.S. and Colorado documents including the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Colorado Constitution, Bill of Rights, constitutional amendments, and landmark Supreme Court decisions.

• Establishes four components of effective civics instruction: civic knowledge (history and civic institutions), civic skills (analyzing sources and understanding how to participate), civic dispositions (free speech, civil discourse, civic engagement), and civic behaviors (voting, volunteering, attending public meetings).

• Directs the State Board of Education to review and revise civics standards as necessary to comply with new requirements, considering recommendations from a history, culture, and civil government education commission.

• Encourages public schools and districts to partner with local service organizations to solicit donations for developing high-quality civics curricula, inviting speakers, and providing civics learning opportunities outside the classroom.