Required subjects in a human growth and development instructional program

What it does

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

This bill requires a school board that provides a human growth and development instructional program to include in the instructional program an explanation of the process under current law for a parent of a newborn to relinquish custody of the newborn to a law enforcement officer, emergency medical services practitioner, or hospital staff member.

Current law allows, but does not require, a school board to provide a human growth and development instructional program in grades kindergarten to 12. If the school board elects to provide such an instructional program, current law provides a recommended instructional program that includes information about reproductive and sexual anatomy and physiology; the benefits of and reasons for abstaining from sexual activity; self-esteem and personal responsibility, positive interpersonal skills, and healthy relationships; and how alcohol and drug use affect responsible decision making. Under current law, if any part of the recommended instructional program is provided to pupils, the school board must also provide specific information on required subjects in the same course in the same year. The list of information on required subjects includes presenting abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior for unmarried pupils; providing instruction in parental responsibility and the socioeconomic benefits of marriage for adults and their children; and explaining pregnancy, prenatal development, and childbirth.

Who's behind it

5 senators are its authors⁠. 4 are Republicans and 1 is a Democrat.

25 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.