TX
Texas House Bill HB1509

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1509

Caption

Relating to consent instruction and instruction on the prevention of sexual abuse and sex trafficking for certain public school students.

Impact

In addition to consent education, HB1509 modifies existing provisions related to sexual abuse and sex trafficking awareness for students in sixth through twelfth grades. It requires the development of instructional modules detailing various forms of sexual abuse and methods for reporting, prevention strategies, and the legal aspects surrounding these issues. This change aims to enhance students' awareness and equip them with strategies to protect themselves and their peers from these risks.

Summary

House Bill 1509 aims to enhance the education of public school students in Texas regarding consent and the prevention of sexual abuse and sex trafficking. The bill mandates that school districts include consent instruction in their health curricula for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. This instruction must occur at least once for each grade level, unless a parent opts out. Furthermore, the bill outlines that the State Board of Education will provide guidelines for age-appropriate curricula to support this instruction.

Conclusion

House Bill 1509 is part of a broader initiative to improve student safety and awareness in Texas schools. Its implementation is set to begin with the 2020-2021 school year, and schools are expected to prepare accordingly to meet the new requirements. Given the sensitive nature of the topics covered, ongoing discussions about the execution and effectiveness of these educational modules are likely as the legislation takes effect.

Contention

The bill is expected to have a significant impact on state education laws by formalizing requirements for consent and sexual abuse education in public schools. While proponents argue that this legislation is crucial for fostering informed and safe school environments, critics may raise concerns about the nature of the content, age appropriateness, and parental rights regarding educational materials. The requirement for schools to notify parents about the curriculum allows for parental involvement in their children's education and addresses concerns about exposure to sensitive topics.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1072

Relating to local school health advisory councils and instruction regarding human sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender identity provided by public schools.

TX HB2101

Relating to the grade levels at which human sexuality instruction may be provided in public schools.

TX HB4017

Relating to human sexuality education in public schools.

TX HB4530

Relating to instruction in human trafficking awareness in public schools.

TX HB890

Relating to parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

TX HB1605

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.

TX SB2565

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and creating allotments for the procurement of certain instructional materials under the Foundation School Program; authorizing a fee.

TX HB97

Relating to certain public school instructional requirements and prohibitions and the incorporation of certain instructional activities as part of student coursework.

TX HB1155

Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for certain public school students.

TX SB1880

Relating to the grievance procedure in public schools.

Similar Bills

NV SB131

Revises provisions governing school curriculum relating to human trafficking. (BDR 34-29)

CA AB2932

Pupil instruction: sextortion prevention.

CA AB1861

Pupil instruction: human trafficking: use of social media and mobile device applications.

TX SB9

Relating to public school instruction and materials regarding the prevention of child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking and the adoption of public school policies to prevent dating violence.

CA AB2009

Postsecondary education: training for drivers of commercial trucks: human trafficking awareness training.

OR SB767

Relating to instruction on the prevention of sex trafficking of children; declaring an emergency.

CA AB1868

Pupil instruction: sexual health education: sexually suggestive or sexually explicit materials.

TX SB2039

Relating to the development and use of instructional modules and training for public schools on the prevention of sexual abuse and sex trafficking and participation by the human trafficking prevention task force in that development.