RDCSB31 224 3495
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)]
SB 31 Reengrossed 2015 Regular Session Morrell
Present law authorizes public elementary and secondary schools to offer instruction in sex
education in grades seven and above, except in Orleans Parish, where the school board may
offer such instruction in grades three and above. Proposed law retains present law.
Present law prohibits students from being tested, quizzed, or surveyed about their personal
beliefs or practices in sex, morality, or religion. Proposed law adds an exception to present
law to authorize public school governing authorities in Orleans Parish to anonymously
survey high school students regarding their risk behaviors, including those related to sexual
health. Provides that the only such survey that may be administered is the Youth Risk
Behavior Survey developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Requires
each public school governing authority, at least 45 days before administering the survey, to
hold a public meeting to discuss survey contents and to provide copies to parents and legal
guardians attending the meeting, or upon request. Allows a parent or legal guardian to have
his child excused from participation in the survey. Provides that information collected in the
survey shall be reported in the aggregate and that school level data shall be confidential,
shall not be considered a public record, and shall not be subject to the Public Records Law.
(Amends R.S. 17:281(A)(2))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Education to the
original bill
1. Specify that survey is anonymous.
2. Provide parental opt-out from student participation.
3. Provide for aggregate reporting.
4. Provide that school level data are confidential and shall not be a public
record.
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Require that a student's parent or legal guardian receive a copy of the survey.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Education to the
reengrossed bill:
1. Provide that only high school students may be surveyed and that the only survey
that may be administered is the Youth Risk Behavior Survey developed by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
2. Require public meetings prior to survey administration.
3. Add that school level data are not subject to the Public Records Law.
Page 1 of 1