Nevada Assembly Bill AB357

Nevada 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/20/23
• Refer: 3/20/23
• Report Pass: 4/14/23
• Refer: 4/17/23
• Report Pass: 6/1/23
• Engrossed: 6/3/23
• Refer: 6/3/23
• Failed: 6/6/23

Caption

Revises provisions governing sexual education in public schools. (BDR 34-163)

Impact

The ramifications of AB 357 extend to state laws regarding the instruction of health and sexuality in schools. This legislative change will impact existing educational requirements in Nevada as it mandates the incorporation of comprehensive sexuality education into the school curriculum. School districts are held accountable through annual reporting to the Legislative Counsel Bureau, ensuring transparency on participation numbers and any curriculum changes. The bill also requires adjustments to parental notification processes, shifting to a system where parents can choose to opt-out their children from specific lessons instead of requiring prior consent for participation.

Summary

Assembly Bill 357 aims to revise provisions governing sexual education in public schools by mandating the establishment of a course in evidence-based sexuality education, replacing the previous focus on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexual responsibility. The bill emphasizes the need for factual instruction and outlines specific topics to be included in the curriculum, such as reproductive anatomy, puberty, sexually transmitted infections, and healthy relationships. Each school district's Board of Trustees is required to implement this new curriculum and form advisory committees, which will include student representatives and various stakeholders to inform instructional content.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 357 is largely polarized. Proponents advocate for the bill as a progressive step towards providing youth with necessary knowledge and skills about sexuality, aiming to empower students with factual information that promotes healthy decision-making. Conversely, critics have voiced concerns that the bill may lead to explicit content being taught in schools without adequate parental control, reflecting fears regarding the appropriateness of topics for young students. This opposition highlights the broader cultural debates over sex education and parental rights in education.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the specific topics designated for inclusion in the sexuality education curriculum, with detractors arguing that some topics, particularly those addressing sexual orientation and consent, may be too sensitive or controversial for certain students. The establishment of advisory committees also presents a concern for various stakeholders, as opinions on what constitutes appropriate sexual education vary widely among parents, educators, and community members. The requirement for districts to adapt to these new guidelines and the annual reporting could impose additional administrative burdens on schools.