HB 2279 Summary

• Creates the "Health Education for Middle Schools Act of 2013" requiring health education instruction in grades 6-8, contingent on legislative funding appropriation

• Mandates instruction in 10 minimum units: physical activity, nutrition, alcohol/tobacco/drugs, behavioral health, oral health, environmental health, growth and development, injury prevention, bullying prevention, and wellness

• Requires health education be offered as a separate semester course using state-adopted textbooks, with online instruction encouraged

• Allows students to be exempted from specific units if parents/guardians present signed statements that instruction conflicts with sincerely held moral or religious beliefs, with no penalty to credit or graduation

• Requires teachers to hold health and physical education certification; encourages collaboration with community-based organizations; mandates advance notification to parents about outside organizations and available materials upon request