EDUCATION – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding civics instruction.

Idaho's H 397 requires all public schools to provide civics instruction covering U.S. government, history, and citizenship principles (including constitutional foundations, the legislative process, and state/local government structures) starting in all grades. For high school students, it mandates demonstrating knowledge through a civics test (based on the U.S. citizenship exam) and a government course beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, with exemptions for students graduating before 2029 who met prior requirements. School districts must document test completion on transcripts and may use state funding for teacher training on advanced civics courses. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, impacting all Idaho public schools and secondary students.