Idaho Senate passes civics

Proposed legislation calling for all Idaho high school students to pass a U.S. civics test before graduation was passed by the Idaho Senate Monday.

There was bipartisan support for the bill, which passed 29-6. It will now move to the Idaho House for consideration.

Tests feature questions such as, "Who was president during World War II?" and "Name one branch or part of the government" and will be based on what is currently administered to applicants for U.S. citizenship by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The bill was co-sponsored by Sen. Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls; and Senate Education Chairman Dean Mortimer, R-Idaho Falls.

This year similar laws have passed in Arizona and North Dakota, with legislation currently being considered by another 19 states, including Idaho.

Senators from North Idaho districts who voted in favor of the legislation: Shawn Keough, Bob Nonini, Sheryl Nuxoll, Mary Souza and Steve Vick.

Sen. Dan Schmidt, D-Moscow; and Sen. Dan Johnson, R-Lewiston, voted no.