Texas House Bill HB941

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a pilot program for the distribution of certain contraceptives in participating public school districts.

Impact

This bill could significantly impact state laws regarding reproductive health education and services provided in public schools. It specifically outlines that parental consent must be obtained before distributing contraceptives to students under 18, reflecting an effort to balance access to reproductive health resources with parental rights. By implementing this pilot program, the state is taking steps to address teen pregnancy rates more effectively, potentially leading to statewide policy changes depending on the outcomes of the pilot assessment.

Summary

House Bill 941 establishes a pilot program for the distribution of long-acting reversible contraceptives within participating public school districts in Texas. The bill aims to provide funding for this program through various sources, including appropriated funds and grants. Under this legislation, six participating school districts will be selected by the agency based on specific criteria, including their geographic location and rates of teen pregnancy. Notably, the selected districts will encompass both urban and rural contexts, as well as varied teen pregnancy rates, to ensure comprehensive representation.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding HB 941, particularly concerning parental consent policies and the role of public schools in providing reproductive health services. Critics may argue that allowing schools to distribute contraceptives could lead to concerns about the autonomy of families and the appropriateness of sexual health education in public education settings. Additionally, there might be discussions around how effectively the program could reduce teen pregnancy rates compared to alternative educational or health strategies.