PIERRE, S.D. (KJJQ) – The House Education Committee passed a bill dealing with civics education. However, it’s a drastically changed bill.

Senate Bill 52 started as a measure to require an extra half-credit of civics education in South Dakota schools.

It was hoghoused by the bill’s original sponsor and now requires a survey to “determine the adequacy of civics and history instruction in accredited schools.” Jim Bolin of Canton is the sponsor.

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Representative Ray Ring of Vermillion says it bothers him that no one has demonstrated that civics knowledge is any worse than it has ever been.

Representative Jess Olson of Rapid City says this will be information they don’t currently receive.

The measure has already cleared the Senate and now moves to the House floor for further debate.