Lawmakers to consider requiring citizenship test to graduate

Photo courtesy Utah State Law Library.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A proposal that would require Utah high school students to pass the U.S. citizenship test before graduating is awaiting final approval from lawmakers in the House.

The bill, introduced by Draper Republican Sen. Howard Stephenson, passed its first Hurdle in the House on Monday. It would require students to answer 50 questions on American government and get 75 percent correct before receiving a high school diploma.

Stephenson says he is concerned about the general public’s lack of civics knowledge.

An Arizona-based nonprofit promoting teaching about public service and patriotism is working to get all 50 states to introduce such a requirement.

Opponents of the bill have expressed concern about adding another hurdle for students struggling to graduate.

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Online:

SB 60: http://1.usa.gov/15QHstI

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