5603-S AMS WINS S4723.1

SSB 5603 - S AMD 625

By Senator Winsley

On page 2, after line 18, insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. A new section is added to chapter 70.24 RCW to read as follows:

The legislature intends to enhance the healthy development of young people in Washington state by taking opportunities to provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to develop and engage in safe, healthy, and successful personal relationships.

(1) Students receiving health instruction paid for in whole or in part with public funds may receive health information and disease prevention instruction.

(2) "Health information and disease prevention instruction" means medically and scientifically accurate curricula and information related to sexual activity that:

(a) Is age appropriate;

(b) Encourages communication with parents and other trusted adults;

(c) Is respectful of the needs, attitudes, and perspectives of individuals and communities;

(d) Encourages young people to develop and apply health-promoting behaviors including disease prevention and detection and accessing accurate health information;

(e) Teaches that abstinence from sexual activity is the only sure way to avoid pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases;

(f) Stresses the value of abstinence while addressing the health needs of youth who are sexually active;

(g) Provides information about the health benefits and side effects of contraceptives and barrier methods as a means to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS;

(h) Provides information about the stages, patterns, and responsibilities associated with growth and development;

(i) Promotes the development of interpersonal skills including a sense of dignity and self-worth and the communication, decision-making, assertiveness, and refusal skills necessary to reduce health risks and choose healthy behaviors; and

(j) Helps young people develop and maintain healthy, respectful, and meaningful relationships.

(3) The department of health shall work in consultation with the office of the superintendent of public instruction to develop guidelines for health information and disease prevention instruction under this section."

SSB 5603 - S AMD 625

By Senator Winsley

On page 1, line 3 of the title, after "28A.300 RCW;" insert "adding a new section to chapter 70.24 RCW;"

--- END ---