HF1502 Summary

• Adds ethnic studies as a required subject area within social studies for statewide accountability beginning in the 2027-2028 school year.

• Requires all students beginning grade 9 in the 2025-2026 school year and later to complete a semester-long ethnic studies course for high school graduation.

• Requires school districts and charter schools to provide ethnic studies instruction in elementary and middle schools by the 2027-2028 school year.

• Establishes a 25-member Ethnic Studies Working Group to develop standards and model curriculum, with members receiving $250 per month stipends and the group required to provide standards by October 31, 2024 and curriculum by July 1, 2025.

• Appropriates general fund money to the Department of Education for working group operations, ethnic studies implementation specialists, community consultation, and competitive grants to school districts for ethnic studies course development.