IL HB5858

Requires school districts maintaining grades 9-12 to offer an extended civics and elections education course covering state, federal, and other elections processes and fair election mechanisms.

Mandates instruction on distinguishing ethical campaign practices from attack-style campaigns and understanding limitations of federal regulation on political advertising and speech.

Requires teaching about campaign funding sources, dark money, and developing critical thinking skills for evaluating electoral communications and researching candidates.

Mandates instruction on fairness and integrity in political campaigns, respectful engagement with opposing viewpoints, and the impact of voter disenfranchisement on elections.

Requires analysis of constitutions, laws, and agreements to evaluate how they achieve justice, equality, liberty, and the common good; course may include practical components such as mock elections.