SB 437

This bill requires a school board that provides a human growth and

development instructional program to include an age-appropriate curriculum on

child sexual abuse prevention.

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; 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; explaining

pregnancy, prenatal development, and childbirth; and the process by which a parent

may relinquish a newborn child to a law enforcement officer, emergency medical

services practitioner, or hospital staff member. The bill adds to this list providing an

age-appropriate curriculum on child sexual abuse prevention that includes 1)

instruction on specific topics and 2) providing parents and guardians with facts and

clear explanations related to child sexual abuse topics.