HB4418 Summary

• Requires Illinois elementary school civics courses (grades 6-8) to include comparative study and discussion of political ideologies including communism and totalitarianism that conflict with principles of freedom and democracy foundational to the United States.

• Mandates civics course content be accurate, relevant, and accessible, and incorporate oral history resources from diverse individuals including victims of communism and totalitarianism and those demonstrating civic-minded qualities.

• Extends identical civics content requirements to high school civics courses (at least one semester) for students entering 9th grade in the 2016-2017 school year and thereafter.

• Allows school districts to consult with civics education stakeholders and utilize private funding to support civics education curriculum development and implementation.

• Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.