Delegate Howell Introduces H.B. 2425 “Graduating Good Citizens Bill”

CHARLESTON, W.Va.–Delegate Gary Howell (R-Mineral) has introduced, the “Graduating Good Citizens Bill” (HB 2425) in the West Virginia House of Delegates on January 21, 2015 in the first session of the 82nd Legislature.

This bill would require a student to pass a test identical to the civics portion of the naturalization exam in order to graduate from high school.

“Our high schools offer civics courses, and by adding this requirement we’re ensuring that students have a basic understanding of the U.S. Constitution and how government works. Further, this also helps us achieve a goal that we want all students to become good citizens and be civically-engaged,” stated Delegate Howell.

The ”Graduating Good Citizens Bill” would put forth this additional requirement to the State Board of Educations’ standards for degrees and diplomas and would be incorporated at the beginning of the 2016 school year. Specifically, the measure would require a student to answer at least 60 of the one 100 questions listed on a test that is identical to the civics portion of the naturalization tested used by the by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The bill is also sponsored by Del. Pat McGeehan, Del. Saira Blair (R-Berkeley), Del. Steve Westfall (R – Jackson) Del. Randy Smith (R-Preston), Del. Jeff Eldridge (D – Lincoln) Del. Kayla Kessinger (R-Fayette), Del. Amanda Pasdon (R-Monongalia) Del. Bill Hamilton (R – Upshur) Del. Patsy Samuel Trecost II (D – Harrison) and Del. Anna Border-Sheppard (R – Wood).

Delegate Howell represents Mineral County in the 56th District in the West Virginia House of Delegates. He is Chairman of the House Government Organization Committee (Chair), and serves he also serves on the committees for Rules, Roads & Transportation, and Veterans Affairs & Homeland Security.

Contact: Delegate Gary Howell at (304) 340-3192