HLS 14RS-1168 ENGROSSED
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE BILL NO. 393
BY REPRESENTATIVE SMITH
STUDENTS: Authorizes a Dept. of Education survey of students regarding risk behaviors
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 17:281(A)(2), relative to the Department of Education;2
authorizes the department to survey students about risk behavior associated with3
chronic health conditions; provides relative to health education classes; and to4
provide for related matters.5
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:6
Section 1. R.S. 17:281(A)(2) is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:7
ยง281. Instruction in sex education 8
A.9
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(2) It is the intent of the legislature that, for the purposes of this Section, "sex11
education" shall mean the dissemination of factual biological or pathological12
information that is related to the human reproduction system and may include the13
study of sexually transmitted disease, pregnancy, childbirth, puberty, menstruation,14
and menopause, as well as the dissemination of factual information about parental15
responsibilities under the child support laws of the state. It is the intent of the16
legislature that "sex education" shall not include religious beliefs, practices in human17
sexuality, nor the subjective moral and ethical judgments of the instructor or other18
persons. Students shall not be tested, quizzed, or surveyed about their personal or19
family beliefs or practices in about sex, morality, or religion; however, the Louisiana20 HLS 14RS-1168 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 393
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Department of Education may survey students about their risk behavior associated1
with chronic health conditions, including those related to sexual health.2
* * *3
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Smith HB No. 393
Abstract: Provides that despite limitations on sex education classes, the Dept. of Education
may survey students about their risk behavior associated with chronic health
conditions, including those related to sexual health.
Present law provides for instruction in sex education in the state. Provides that any public
elementary or secondary school in La. may offer instruction in subject matter designated as
"sex education", provided that such instruction and subject matter is integrated into an
existing course of study such as biology, science, physical hygiene, or physical education.
Present law provides that students shall not be tested, quizzed, or surveyed about their
personal beliefs or practices in sex, morality, or religion. Proposed law eliminates provision
that prohibits students from being surveyed about their practices in sex, morality, or religion.
Proposed law also authorizes the La. Dept. of Education to survey students about their risk
behavior associated with chronic health conditions, including those related to sexual health.
Otherwise retains present law.
(Amends R.S. 17:281(A)(2))