SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5506
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 3, 2015
Title: An act relating to including information on preventing sexual abuse and violence in sexual health education.
Brief Description: Including information on preventing sexual abuse and violence in sexual health education.
Sponsors: Senators McAuliffe, Darneille, Frockt, Liias, Kohl-Welles, Chase, Keiser and Hasegawa.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/02/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Ailey Kato (786-7434)
Background: Current law provides that every public school that offers sexual health education must assure that sexual health education is medically and scientifically accurate; age appropriate; appropriate for students regardless of gender, race, disability status, or sexual orientation; and includes information about abstinence and other methods of preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
Current law also provides that the Superintendent of Public Instruction, in consultation with the Department of Health, must develop a list of sexual health education curricula that are consistent with the 2005 guidelines for sexual health information and disease prevention. The guidelines do not require information on preventing sexual abuse and violence and understanding consent.
Summary of Bill: Every public school that offers sexual health education must include information on preventing sexual abuse and violence and understanding consent.
The Superintendent of Public Instruction, in consultation with the Department of Health, must develop a list of sexual health education curricula that includes information on preventing sexual abuse and violence and understanding consent.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill focuses on education about consent to prevent sexual violence. There is little to no information on sexual abuse and violence prevention and consent in sexual health education courses. For this bill, there may be printing costs and faculty meeting costs, but these costs are minimal. Other schools and colleges throughout the nation have adopted policies about consent.
Persons Testifying: Senator McAuliffe, prime sponsor; Ryan Torgeson, Ryan West, Kristian Barney, citizens.