Texas House Bill HB78

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/10/14

Caption

Relating to human sexuality education in public schools.

Impact

If enacted, HB 78 would enforce a standard approach to human sexuality education statewide, affecting how schools address sexual health issues within their curricula. The requirement for the curriculum to emphasize abstinence as the preferred choice for unmarried students, along with the recommendation that students be informed about the health benefits and proper use of contraception, reflects a significant legislative push towards integrating sexual health education in a manner that aligns with broader health initiatives. Parental involvement is also highlighted, with districts mandated to provide parents written notice before human sexuality education occurs, thus ensuring parents are informed and have the right to opt their children out of the program without penalty.

Summary

House Bill 78 relates to the provision of human sexuality education in public schools across Texas. The bill mandates that school districts teach human sexuality in accordance with specific guidelines that the State Board of Education will establish. This curriculum is required to be age-appropriate and medically accurate, ensuring that the teaching methods and content meet the educational needs and developmental capacities of students at different grade levels. The curriculum is expected to cover essential topics such as human sexuality, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and the promotion of healthy relationships and decision-making skills among adolescents.

Contention

The proposed bill has sparked debate among various stakeholders. Supporters argue that a medically accurate and age-appropriate education on human sexuality is crucial for the health and well-being of students. They highlight that comprehensive education can lead to improved health outcomes and better-prepared adolescents. However, opponents may view the emphasis on abstinence and the guidelines imposed by the state as potentially restrictive, arguing that it may limit schools' ability to tailor education to the diverse needs of their student populations. There is also concern regarding the provisions that allow school districts to separate students by sex during instruction, which some may see as reinforcing outdated gender norms.