H.B. 616 Summary

• Prohibits school districts, community schools, STEM schools, and nonpublic schools enrolling scholarship students from teaching, using, or endorsing curriculum or instructional materials promoting "divisive or inherently racist concepts," defined to include critical race theory, intersectional theory, the 1619 Project, diversity/equity/inclusion learning outcomes, and inherited racial guilt.

• Bans schools from providing training or professional development to employees that promotes divisive or inherently racist concepts, and prohibits teachers from receiving continuing education credit for seminars teaching such concepts.

• Restricts curriculum on sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3 entirely, and requires any such curriculum in grades 4-12 to be age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate per state standards.

• Establishes complaint procedures allowing individuals to file complaints against teachers, administrators, or superintendents for violations, with enforcement through licensure action (admonishment, suspension, or revocation) and potential fund withholding from school districts based on violation severity.

• Requires the state board of education to adopt rules implementing these provisions and prohibits adoption of standards, curricula, professional development resources, or assessments promoting divisive or inherently racist concepts.