Minnesota House Bill HF174

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23

Caption

Commissioner of education required to develop a model program for sexual health education, and report required.

Impact

Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, all school districts must implement a comprehensive sexual health education program. This requirement includes promoting communication between students and trusted adults and respecting community values related to sexual health education. The model program's adoption will standardize the curriculum across various schools, which advocates believe can lead to improved awareness and understanding of sexual health among students. Furthermore, those schools that opt-out of adopting the model must submit their programs for state approval, fostering a degree of oversight on educational quality.

Summary

House File 174 (HF174) mandates the commissioner of education in Minnesota to develop a model program for sexual health education. This model program aims to provide comprehensive sexual health education for students in both elementary and secondary school, including provisions for students with disabilities and those in alternative education programs. The program must cover vital topics such as human anatomy, consent, healthy relationships, and abstinence, among others, ensuring content is medically accurate and culturally inclusive. By June 2025, school districts and charter schools will have access to these model program resources, which is expected to improve the quality and consistency of sexual health education across the state.

Reporting

In conjunction with the implementation of these educational programs, the commissioner of education is tasked with submitting a report to legislative committees by January 15, 2026. This report will provide an overview of the program’s adoption, the assistance provided to districts, and data on participation rates. This accountability measure is anticipated to ensure the effective rollout of the program and facilitate ongoing discussions on enhancements to educational policy surrounding sexual health.

Contention

While HF174 aims to enhance sexual health education, it has also raised points of contention among various stakeholders. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for informing students about critical areas of sexual health and safety, emphasizing its importance in combating issues like dating violence and sexually transmitted infections. Conversely, critics might express concerns regarding the adaptation of sexual health content to align with local beliefs and values, as well as the potential challenges in implementation for districts resistant to state-mandated curricula. The requirement for local districts to submit their programs for approval adds another layer of oversight that may also generate debate on educational autonomy.