Relating to the improvement of women's health by providing certain services and information related to unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
Impact
The bill proposes amendments to existing statutes within the Education Code and Government Code, particularly regarding sexuality education in schools. It mandates that sexuality education materials be medically accurate and advocates abstinence as the primary method for preventing pregnancy and STDs. Under the new guidelines, schools are required to inform parents about the content of sexuality instruction, thereby ensuring transparency and parental involvement in educational choices. The requirement for 'human use reality rates' for teaching contraception and condom use reflects an effort to ensure that students receive practical information about safe sexual practices, however, without compromising the emphasis on abstinence.
Summary
House Bill 1694, known as the Texas Prevention Works Act, aims to enhance women's health by providing essential services and educational information related to unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). One of the primary focuses of the bill is to increase outreach efforts designed to promote participation in state-funded health programs. This includes the effective implementation of measures that align with the cost-saving estimates outlined in the waiver application presented to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, showcasing an intent to encourage more women to access preventive healthcare services. The bill emphasizes the necessity of maintaining or expanding the level of services aimed at reducing unintended pregnancies and STDs, thereby highlighting the significance of public health initiatives.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1694 include the approach to sexual education and the potential limitation on comprehensive discussions regarding safe sex practices. Critics argue that the focus on abstinence-only education could undermine students' understanding of important health information, while supporters claim that emphasizing abstinence will lead to more responsible behaviors among youth. Furthermore, questions about adequate funding for outreach and educational programs also surface, as lawmakers assess the effectiveness of measures enacted to curb unintended pregnancies and STDs in the state.
Identical
Relating to the improvement of women's health by providing certain services and information related to unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
Relating to certain statutory changes to reflect and address same-sex marriages and parenting relationships and to the removal of provisions regarding the criminality or unacceptability of homosexual conduct.
Relating to certain statutory changes to reflect and address same-sex marriages and parenting relationships and to the removal of provisions regarding the criminality or unacceptability of homosexual conduct.
Relating to local school health advisory councils and instruction regarding human sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender identity provided by public schools.
Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.
Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.
Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.
Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools.
Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools.
Relating to the instructional materials and technology allotment, open education resource instructional materials, and the State Board of Education long-range technology plan.
Relating to the instructional materials and technology allotment, open education resource instructional materials, and the State Board of Education long-range technology plan.
Relating to the foundation curriculum, the establishment of the instructional materials allotment, and the adoption, review, and purchase of instructional materials and technological equipment for public schools; providing penalties.