HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 HB  2669

Title:  An act relating to the teaching of nonacademic subjects.

Brief Description:  Requiring parental consent for certain nonacademic subjects.

Sponsors:  Representatives Mulliken, Johnson, Talcott, Boldt, Koster, Smith, McDonald, McCune, Sherstad, Sheahan and Bush.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  January 30, 1998.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background: Local school district boards of directors have the discretion whether to adopt a program about sex education or human sexuality.  School districts must involve parents and school district community groups in developing the program.  Any parent who dos not want his or her child to attend a course in human sexuality may file a written request with the board.

Summary of Bill: If a school offers a class concerning sex education, sexually transmitted diseases, contraception, sexual orientation, suicide, or euthanasia it must offer the class as an independent unit.  Although, a school may not discourage incidental student-led discussions in these topic areas, teachers may not elicit student discussion outside of the independent unit.  The school must offer the independent unit as an elective subject to written parental consent. 

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.