AB-422 • 2026

State Seal of Civic Engagement.

Education

Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor: Jackson
Last action: 2025-10-13
Official status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 692, Statutes of 2025.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on implementation dates, assessment methods, or additional criteria beyond understanding democracy preservation.

State Seal of Civic Engagement

This law requires students to show they understand the importance of preserving democracy when applying for a special award called the State Seal of Civic Engagement.

What This Bill Does

Requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to recommend criteria for the State Seal of Civic Engagement, including understanding the importance of preserving democracy and its institutions.

Who It Names or Affects

Students who are eligible for the State Seal of Civic Engagement
The Superintendent of Public Instruction

Terms To Know

State Seal of Civic Engagement: A special award given to students who show excellence in civics education and participation.
Superintendent of Public Instruction: The person responsible for overseeing public schools in California.

Limits and Unknowns

Does not specify the exact date when the new criteria must be implemented.
Does not provide details on how understanding of democracy preservation will be assessed.

Bill History

2025-10-13 California Legislative Information
Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 692, Statutes of 2025.
2025-10-13 California Legislative Information
Approved by the Governor.
2025-09-23 California Legislative Information
Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m.
2025-09-11 California Legislative Information
Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 80. Noes 0. Page 3292.).
2025-09-10 California Legislative Information
In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.
2025-09-10 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 2822.).
2025-09-08 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2025-09-04 California Legislative Information
Read third time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
2025-08-29 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2025-08-29 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (August 29).
2025-07-07 California Legislative Information
In committee: Referred to APPR. suspense file.
2025-06-25 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (June 25). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2025-06-11 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on ED.
2025-06-03 California Legislative Information
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
2025-06-02 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 79. Noes 0. Page 1827.)
2025-05-27 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2025-05-23 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (May 23).
2025-05-07 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
2025-04-22 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2025-04-21 California Legislative Information
Read second time and amended.
2025-04-10 California Legislative Information
From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (April 9).
2025-03-11 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on ED.
2025-03-10 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on ED. Read second time and amended.
2025-03-10 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on ED.
2025-02-06 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 8.
2025-02-05 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 422, Jackson.
State Seal of Civic Engagement.
Existing law requires, on or before January 1, 2020, the Superintendent of Public Instruction to recommend to the State Board of Education criteria for awarding a State Seal of Civic Engagement to pupils who have demonstrated excellence in civics education and participation and have demonstrated an understanding of the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and the democratic system of government. Existing law requires the Superintendent to, among other criteria, consider the successful completion of history, government, and civics courses, including courses that incorporate character education, and voluntary participation in community service or extracurricular activities. Existing law requires, on or before January 31, 2021, the state board to adopt, reject, or modify the criteria recommended by the Superintendent.
This
bill would require the Superintendent to, when the state board next revises the criteria for the State Seal of Civic Engagement, recommend to the state board revised criteria for awarding the State Seal of Civic Engagement, requiring, along with meeting all other eligibility criteria for the award, a demonstrated understanding of the importance of preserving democracy and its vital institutions, as specified.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF