New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3763

Introduced
5/2/22  

Caption

Requires parental consent for student to participate in health, family life education, or sex education program and provides parents with access to certain public school curricula.

Impact

If passed, this bill could significantly reinforce parental rights in the context of education, particularly regarding topics of health and family life that some parents may find controversial. Additionally, the law would require educational institutions to make the complete curricula accessible to parents, which could enhance transparency and parental engagement in their children’s education. Schools would be obliged to keep all instructional materials, not under copyright, easily accessible, thus ensuring that parents are informed about what their children are learning.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3763, introduced in New Jersey, mandates that parental consent is required for students to participate in health, family life, or sex education programs. The bill aims to amend existing legislation regarding student participation in these educational programs, thereby allowing parents or guardians to excuse their children from such courses if they do not provide written consent. This legislative change seeks to uphold parental rights in educational decisions concerning sensitive subject matter.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the implications of requiring parental consent for participation in educational programs that are often deemed essential for holistic education. Critics may argue that this could hinder the educational experience by excluding certain students from receiving comprehensive health and sex education, potentially impacting knowledge on vital topics. Supporters of the bill, however, advocate for parental control over educational content, emphasizing the importance of aligning school curricula with individual family values and beliefs.

Companion Bills

NJ S3077

Same As Requires parental consent for student to participate in health, family life education, or sex education program and provides parents with access to certain public school curricula.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2123

Requires parental consent for student to participate in health, family life education, or sex education program and provides parents with access to certain public school curricula.

NJ S3077

Requires parental consent for student to participate in health, family life education, or sex education program and provides parents with access to certain public school curricula.

NJ A1519

Requires parental consent for student to participate in health, family life education or sex education program.

NJ A4660

Requires parental consent for student to participate in health, family life education or sex education program.

NJ HB789

Family life education programs; student participation, summaries.

NJ HB2061

Sex education; parental consent; schools

NJ SB2820

"Transparency in Education Act"; prohibit certain curriculum in public schools without parental consent.

NJ SB2679

"Transparency in Education Act"; prohibit certain curriculum in public schools without parental consent.

NJ SB832

Public schools; parental rights to educational transparency.

NJ SB1199

Public schools; parental rights to educational transparency.

Similar Bills

NJ S3077

Requires parental consent for student to participate in health, family life education, or sex education program and provides parents with access to certain public school curricula.

NJ S2123

Requires parental consent for student to participate in health, family life education, or sex education program and provides parents with access to certain public school curricula.

AL SB48

Public K-12 Education, posting of curricula on school websites required, parents or guardians authorized to examine materials upon request

AL HB169

Public K-12 Education, posting of curricula on school websites required, parents or guardians authorized to request further information, complaint process

WV HB2952

Ensure that persons appointed as guardians ad litem in divorce and child custody and parenting cases are properly trained in certified courses of instruction with curricula grounded in the social science bases for determining the best interests of the child

HI HB1195

Relating To Health.

HI HB1195

Relating To Health.

GA SB532

Education; sex education for public school students in this state before fifth grade; prohibit