5297-S.E AMH MCDO CORD 059

ESSB 5297 - H AMD 712

By Representative McDonald

FAILED 4/11/2007

   On page 3, beginning on line 19, strike all of subsection (6) and insert the following:

   "(6)(a) Public schools that offer sexual health education must provide a separate written notice as described in (c) of this subsection to the parent or legal guardian of a student receiving the instruction no less than thirty days in advance of the instruction. The separate written notice is an advisory that sexual health education will be provided to the child of the parent or legal guardian.

   (b) Any parent or legal guardian who chooses to have his or her child excused from any planned instruction in sexual health education may do so by notifying the child's school. In addition, any parent or legal guardian may review the sexual health education curriculum offered in his or her child's school by notifying the child's school.

   (c) The notice required by this subsection must be titled "Sexual Health Education Notification." The title must be printed at the top of the page, in boldface and in no less than sixteen-point type. The notice shall include all the following information printed in no less than twelve-point type:

   (i) The date, time, and location of the instruction;

   (ii) The name of the teacher or administrator in charge of the instruction, and the name and affiliation of any presenters;

   (iii) The telephone number at which the teacher or administrator in charge may be reached during regular school hours;

   (iv) A reminder that parents and legal guardians may attend the class or assembly;

   (v) A reminder of the right of the parent or legal guardian to have their child not participate in sexual health education, and the alternative educational program or activity that will be available if the parent or legal guardian chooses to have their child not participate in the sexual health education;

   (vi) Times and location in which the curriculum and any written, video, or audio materials used are available for review by the parent or legal guardian; and

   (vii) Instructions for notifying the school if a parent or legal guardian chooses to have their child not participate in sexual health education, or chooses to review the curriculum."

EFFECT: The amendment:

   (1)  provides that a parent or legal guardian choosing to have his or her child excused from sexual health education, or choosing to review the curriculum, may notify the child's school, rather than filing a written request with the school district or school principal;

   (2)  adds that parents and legal guardians must be given a written notice within 30 days before the student receives the instruction; and

   (3)  specifies the content of the notice, including the time and place of the instruction and information about how to notify the school if choosing to excuse the child or to review the curriculum.