HB 7 — An Act relating to sex education, human reproductive education, and human sexuality education.

Bill Text

• HB0007A View text Current html

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill adds specific requirements for sex education programs in Alaska, focusing on abstinence and excluding certain topics.

• AS 14.30.361

  (e) A program in sex education, human reproductive education, or human sexuality education under this section must be age-appropriate and medically accurate; must include current information regarding the physiological changes that occur during adolescence and subsequent stages of human development; pregnancy and parenting, including that the life of an unborn child begins at conception; prenatal development; childbirth; the financial and emotional responsibilities of raising a child; and that parenting is a lifelong commitment; exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, including the human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, human papillomavirus, and hepatitis; must include a curriculum that teaches skills necessary for a student to remain abstinent and maintain good sexual and reproductive health; information regarding the involvement and responsibility of males and females in making decisions about sexual activity; abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice for unmarried students because it is the only 100 percent effective way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases and it is effective in preventing the emotional trauma associated with adolescent sexual activity; that a preadolescent or adolescent who engages in sexual activity may suffer emotional or psychological consequences because of the sexual activity, that sexual activity out of wedlock is likely to have harmful psychological or physical effects, and that there may be social, psychological, or health benefits to abstaining from sexual activity; the importance of communication between a student and parent about sexuality and abstinence; and becoming self-sufficient before engaging in sexual activity; that sexual activity increases the likelihood that a student will drop out of school because of a sexually transmitted disease or unplanned pregnancy; abstinence from sexual activity as the expected standard for an unmarried student and a mutually faithful and monogamous relationship within a marriage as the expected standard for sexual activity; and the potential results of adolescent sexual activity, including that bearing a child out of wedlock is likely to have harmful consequences for the child, the child's parents, and society, and the process and advantages of adoption, including the adoption of a child with special needs; may not include instruction in, or advocacy of, the intricacies of sexual intercourse, sexual stimulation, or erotic behavior; homosexuality; gender identity or expression; the use of contraceptive methods or devices; sexual activity out of wedlock; means or methods that encourage the violation of criminal law; may not teach or promote religious doctrine in violation of AS 14.03.090; this does not preclude the discussion of moral, ethical, or religious views related to sexual activity.

  This addition specifies the requirements and limitations for sex education programs in the state.

Action History

1. February 20, 2019

   (H) Referred to EDUCATION

2. February 20, 2019

   (H) EDC, HSS

3. February 20, 2019

   (H) Read the first time - REFERRALS

4. February 20, 2019

   (H) Prefile released 1/7/19

Sponsors

• George Rauscher · Primary

Subjects