Georgia House Bill HB1045

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24

Caption

Education; require schools to give notice and receive consent prior to providing students with sexual orientation or gender identity instruction; provisions

Impact

The implications of HB 1045 are significant as it alters how educational content related to sexual orientation and gender identity is managed within schools. By mandating a 30-day notice and written consent from parents, the bill seeks to empower parents, ensuring they are fully informed and able to control their children's exposure to certain topics. The law could lead to a standardized approach across the state regarding how such subjects are taught, potentially limiting what educators can address without parental approval.

Summary

House Bill 1045 amends Chapter 2 of Title 20 in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, primarily concerning elementary and secondary education. The measure requires public and private schools receiving state funding to provide written notice to parents and obtain their consent before offering any instruction related to sexual orientation or gender identity. This bill aims to enhance parental oversight regarding sensitive educational content for students from kindergarten through grade 12. Schools must allow parents to review instructional materials and confer with teachers about this content before instruction is delivered.

Contention

Critics of the bill argue that it restricts necessary discussions around sexual orientation and gender identity, which are vital for fostering an inclusive educational environment. Opponents fear that the bill could lead to discrimination against LGBTQ+ students and limit their access to support from educators and counselors who might otherwise engage on these topics without parental consent. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the enforcement of such laws, particularly the implications for teachers and school personnel who might face legal action for failing to adhere to the consent requirements.