House greenlights three-year civics education pilot to gather data on K–12 instruction

The Utah House passed first substitute HB 273 on Feb. 16 to create a three‑year pilot program that collects data on how civics and character education are delivered in K–12 schools.

Representative Jason Johnson, sponsor, said the bill creates contracting authority for a third‑party evaluator to gather information from students and parents to help the state determine effective ways to teach civic responsibility and the workings of government. He framed the effort as consistent with the Utah Constitution’s focus on civic education.

Supporters said the pilot fills a data gap on civics instruction and would help craft future policy. Representative Briscoe and others commended the working group of legislators and stakeholders who developed the bill. The House passed the first substitute 69–0 and will transmit the bill to the Senate for further consideration.