Virginia House Bill HB789

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22
• Report Pass: 2/7/22
• Engrossed: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/16/22

Caption

Family life education programs; student participation, summaries.

Impact

The implications of HB789 are significant for both educational institutions and families. By mandating prior written consent, the legislation ensures that parents are informed and have a say in their child's education regarding family life topics. Schools are required to maintain transparency by providing parents with access to instructional materials and summaries of the family life education curriculum. This measure is intended to foster parental guidance and involvement in students’ educational progress, which proponents argue is crucial for effective education in these sensitive topics.

Summary

House Bill 789 aims to amend and reenact certain sections of the Code of Virginia regarding family life education programs in public schools. The bill establishes clear requirements for parental involvement, stating that no student shall participate in any family life education program without parental written consent. This provision empowers parents to have greater control over their children's educational experiences in sensitive areas such as family life and sexuality education.

Contention

However, the bill has faced contention primarily over concerns regarding the extent of parental control over educational content. Critics argue that such stringent requirements could limit students' access to comprehensive family life education, potentially depriving them of essential information. Furthermore, while supporters believe this bill strengthens parental rights and promotes family involvement, there are fears it might lead to inconsistent educational experiences, depending on parental engagement and differing views on family life topics.