SB 1491 Summary

• Requires all school districts to provide sex education in kindergarten through grade 12 that is medically accurate, developmentally accurate, and age-appropriate, rather than only those with existing curricula.

• Mandates sex education instruction include information on contraceptive and barrier method use, relationship skills, adolescent development, decision-making skills, and parental communication in addition to existing requirements on laws relating to sexual conduct with minors.

• Prohibits sex education instruction from discriminating based on sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

• Requires students to receive written parental permission to participate in sex education (opt-out model), allows students to be excused only upon written parental request, and prohibits disciplinary action for non-participation.

• Directs the Department of Education to adopt rules, maintain a list of compliant curricula, establish instructor qualifications, and report biennial curriculum information to legislative leadership; allows parents or eligible students to file court actions to enforce compliance.