HB 391 Summary

• School boards must ensure curricula are consistent with five stated principles of individual freedom, including that individuals are not inherently racist or sexist based on race, color, sex, or national origin, and that meritocracy is not racist.

• Public schools and districts are prohibited from compelling students to affirm beliefs inconsistent with the principles of individual freedom, though objective discussion of such beliefs is permitted; instruction on slavery, segregation, and discrimination is allowed.

• Districts found violating these curriculum requirements by September 30 each year will have funding under AS 14.17.410 reduced by 5 percent, with annual reporting to legislative education committees.

• Employers and state/municipal agencies are prohibited from requiring individuals to undergo training or use agency assets to promote eight specific beliefs related to race, sex, and national origin as conditions of employment, certification, or licensing.

• The state ombudsman gains mandatory jurisdiction to investigate alleged violations of these provisions, regardless of agency election status, and must maintain a hotline and provide annual legislative reports on complaints.

• Section 1 takes effect July 1, 2023.