SB2354 Summary

• Requires comprehensive sex education classes in grades 6-12 to include instruction on both abstinence and contraception for prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.

• Mandates that sex education classes emphasize abstinence as a responsible decision and the only 100% effective protection against pregnancy, STDs, and AIDS, while also teaching contraception methods.

• Establishes that all sex education instruction must be developmentally appropriate, medically accurate, evidence-based, and complete, with school districts permitted to adapt curricula to meet community needs.

• Allows individuals including parents and guardians to examine instructional materials used in sex education classes and requires the State Board of Education to provide resource materials meeting specified criteria.

• Permits school districts that do not currently offer sex education to remain exempt from providing it, while districts offering sex education must follow defined educational standards and criteria.