SB 555

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.

This bill adds to this list providing an explanation of the process under current law

by which a parent may relinquish a newborn child to law enforcement officer,

emergency medical services practitioner, or hospital staff member.