# Dominican Republic educational and legislative reforms > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-educational-legislative-reforms > Updated: 2026-09-08T19:30:34.000Z. Sources: 35. Developments: 3. The Dominican Republic’s Chamber of Deputies and Senate have advanced several legislative initiatives aimed at educational, civic, fiscal, and social reform. In early September 2026, the Chamber of Deputies approved a bill in its first reading to make Moral and Civic Education a mandatory subject for all public and private pre-university schools to strengthen ethical training and democratic participation. On September 8, the Chamber approved the same bill in its second reading. This version resulted from the fusion of proposals by deputies Liz Adriana Mieses Díaz, Jorge Manuel Zorrilla González, and Onavel Aristy, aiming to foster respect for the Constitution, human rights, and national symbols. The legislation applies to all levels from initial education through secondary school. Rather than relying on rote memorization, the proposal emphasizes participatory methodologies, critical analysis, and the practical application of civic knowledge. The Ministry of Education (Minerd) will be responsible for curriculum implementation and teacher training once the bill passes the Senate and is promulgated. Concurrently, lawmakers approved the National Scholarship System for Productive and Labor Development. Proposed by Deputy José Manuel Caraballo Gómez, this legislation requires international scholarship recipients to return to the Dominican Republic for two to five years of professional service. Students who fail to comply may be required to repay funding to the Executive Power and could face civil or criminal proceedings. Further educational debate emerged following a proposal by Deputy Julio César Beltré to make the teaching of Creole, English, and French mandatory in all public and private primary and secondary schools. However, Ramfis Domínguez Trujillo, president of the Democratic Hope Party (PED), has formally opposed the initiative, arguing it “threatens national identity, sovereignty, and educational priorities.” ## Claims - The Dominican Chamber of Deputies approved a bill in its first reading to make Moral and Civic Education a mandatory subject. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The mandatory subject will apply to both public and private pre-university educational centers. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Deputy José Manuel Caraballo Gómez presented the bill to create the National Scholarship System for Productive and Labor Development. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Scholarship recipients studying abroad must return to the Dominican Republic for two to five years to practice their skills. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Students who fail to return must repay a proportion or the total amount of the funds received to the Executive Power. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The bill is a fusion of two separate initiatives proposed by deputies Liz Adriana Mieses Díaz and Jorge Manuel Zorrilla González. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Dominican Chamber of Deputies approved the scholarship bill in its second discussion. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Authorities may issue written warnings or temporarily suspend resources for failure to provide documentation or update data. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Beneficiaries are required to maintain minimum academic performance and use funds exclusively for training. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The curriculum will cover initial, primary, and secondary education levels. (single source) - Course content will include respect for the Constitution, ethical training, and responsible citizenship. (single source) - Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Rafael Santos Badía stated that scholars already sign commitments to return and serve. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Dominican Republic deputies approve mandatory Moral and Civic education The Dominican Republic's Chamber of Deputies approved a bill to make Moral and Civic education mandatory in all public and private pre-university schools, focusing on constitutional rights and citizenship. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-bill-proposes-mandatory-creole-language-instruction ### 2026-09-02: Dominican Republic approves bill requiring scholarship recipients to return home The Dominican Republic's Chamber of Deputies approved a bill requiring international scholarship recipients to return to the country for 2-5 years or repay their study costs. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-approves-bill-requiring-scholarship-recipients-to-return-home ### 2026-09-01: Dominican Republic legislature advances multiple social and economic bills The Dominican Republic legislature has approved multiple bills, including medical tax exemptions, new scholarship return requirements, mandatory civic education, and proposed electoral reforms. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-deputies-approve-mandatory-civic-education-bill --- Cite as: Dominican Republic educational and legislative reforms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-educational-legislative-reforms