Tennessee House Bill HB0122

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/20/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 1 and Title 49, Chapter 6, Part 13, relative to family life education.

Impact

The bill modifies what education systems must provide regarding family life topics, particularly focusing on adoption. It mandates that all local education agencies (LEAs) offer education about adoption and its benefits. The state board of education must develop guidelines for teaching about adoption that comply with the new regulations, which will take effect in the 2029-2030 school year. This change intends to ensure that students receive appropriate information about adoption during their secondary education.

Summary

House Bill 0122 aims to amend sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically those pertaining to family life education. The bill stipulates that starting from the 2029-2030 school year, family life instruction should be limited to students in grades six through twelve. This change is designed to focus the content of family life education for older students rather than younger ones, which reflects a shift in educational priorities regarding sensitive topics related to family dynamics and relationships.

Contention

As the bill moves forward, notable points of contention may arise in discussions surrounding the appropriateness of educational content for different age groups. Critics may argue that limiting family life education to grades six through twelve may overlook important foundational knowledge that younger students could benefit from. Additionally, the focus on adoption education could raise debates about how comprehensively these topics are covered and whether they adequately prepare students for understanding diverse family structures and relationships.