Mason-Backed Law to Strengthen Civics Curriculum Takes Effect

GURNEE, Ill. – A measure supported by state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, to bring additional civics education to Illinois middle schools went into effect on Wednesday.

“While students already take one civics course in high school, that’s often the first and only time they get to study this critically important subject at length,” Mason said. “Young people have been underrepresented in government for decades, and they also vote significantly less often than the general population. Every person in this country, no matter how old, has the power to advocate for his or her own interests, and we have to start teaching that to our students from an earlier age.”

House Bill 2265 requires public schools to teach a civics class that covers material about government, democracy and social issues to students while they are in sixth, seventh or eighth grade. Mason was a chief co-sponsor of the measure. House Bill 2265 was signed into law by the governor on Aug. 9, 2019.

“By increasing civics education in schools, we’re making sure future generations are equipped with the tools they need to be engaged citizens and active participants in the democratic processes that shape the world around them,” Mason said. “I’m proud to have helped pass this law, and I look forward to working on more legislation that will continue to strengthen our K-12 schools.”

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