AR SB304

Creates the Arkansas Healthy Lifestyle Education Act of 2019 to establish health curriculum requirements for grades 7-12 in public schools.

Requires instruction on five health topics: mental health issues (including suicide prevention), substance abuse and addiction, diet and obesity, tobacco use prevention and cessation (including e-cigarettes and vaping), and teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections prevention.

Uses risk-avoidance approaches for teenage pregnancy and STI prevention instruction, and allows parents to request written exemption for their child from curriculum on these topics.

Directs the Department of Education to identify required resources in consultation with the Department of Health and provide professional development support for teachers implementing the curriculum.

Based on data showing Arkansas ranks highest nationally for student suicide consideration, obesity, forced sexual activity, smokeless tobacco use, and teen birth rates.