Oklahoma House Bill HB1812

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Schools; requiring parents to give permission for students to participate in sex education; repealer; effective date; emergency.

Impact

The bill's provisions aim to shift the educational landscape regarding sexual health and behavior in Oklahoma schools. Notably, it creates stricter guidelines around how sex education is taught, emphasizing abstinence as a core teaching component. Furthermore, there is a notable focus on parental involvement, giving parents significant authority over their children's participation in these programs. This shift may lead to broader implications on students' understanding of sexual health, particularly for those whose parents may choose to opt-out of sex education classes altogether.

Summary

House Bill 1812 amends the Oklahoma education law regarding sex education in schools. The bill requires that all curriculum and materials used for teaching sex education be made available for inspection by parents or guardians. A key provision is the emphasis on abstinence, which is defined within the bill as refraining from any premarital sexual contact, sexual activity, or intimate touches. Additionally, the bill mandates that parental permission must be obtained for students to participate in sex education programs, effectively allowing parents to opt-out their children from such courses if they express their objection in writing.

Contention

A critical point of contention surrounding HB 1812 lies in the repeal of a pre-existing law related to AIDS prevention education. This repeal may be seen as a regression in comprehensive sexual health education, as it removes mandatory elements that could otherwise inform students about HIV/AIDS prevention. Supporters argue this bill prioritizes parental rights and aligns sex education with community values, while opponents contend that it could hinder necessary education on vital health topics. Furthermore, there are concerns about the potential decrease in state funding for noncompliant districts, which could disproportionately affect lower-resourced schools and their ability to provide comprehensive sex education.