2026 Regular Session - Sine Die - Resolution | Rep. Jennifer Decker

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 139 to dramatically strengthen the understanding Kentucky students have of the United States Constitution and the foundational principles upon which our constitutional republic rests. Currently, federal law mandates that every educational institution that receives any federal funding hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17th every year, yet far too many of our students graduate without a meaningful grasp of their God-given rights, their civic responsibility, or the critical principles of limited government that protect our liberty. One commonly cited estimate is that nearly 90% of the schools fail or ignore this requirement. Many treat it as optional, and this is not a minor shortfall. It is a serious threat. When young Americans lack a solid understanding of the Constitution, public confidence in our institutions erode, and our capacity for self-government itself is placed at risk. House Resolution 139 calls on the Kentucky Department of Education and the Council of Post-Secondary Education, in partnership with the Secretary of State, to conduct a review of current civic education efforts to develop strategies and a clear timeline for meaningful improvement to ensure that Constitution Day is not treated as a mere box to be checked, but as a day of genuine focus and inspiration, and that the study of our Constitution is woven into the curriculum throughout the entire year. This resolution further requires a progress report to be delivered to the Legislative Research Commission by October 1st, 2026, so we can hold ourselves, our state, accountable for real results. Mr. Speaker, teaching the Constitution is not a partisan issue. It is a fundamental American duty. A generation that truly knows and cherishes this founding document will be better equipped to defend our freedoms, uphold the rule of law, and sustain the greatest experiment in self-government the world has ever known. For the future of Kentucky and the future of our Republic, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I move adoption of House Resolution 139.