SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6431

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Health & Long-Term Care, February 4, 2004

Title: An act relating to health information for youth.

Brief Description: Providing health information for youth.

Sponsors: Senators Winsley, Franklin, Horn, Thibaudeau, Fraser, Kline, Eide, McAuliffe, Haugen, Brown, Regala, Keiser, Kohl-Welles and Prentice.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 1/28/04, 2/4/04 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6431 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Deccio, Chair; Winsley, Vice Chair; Brandland, Franklin, Keiser, Parlette and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Rhoda Donkin (786-7198)

Background: Thousands of teens in this state are reported to have a sexually transmitted disease (STD). STDs are infections that can be spread by having sex with another person who is infected. Many STDs show no symptoms. The most commonly reported STDs for teens are chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts, and pelvic inflammatory disease. It is estimated that one-half of all new HIV infections in this country now occur among people aged 25 and younger. Often shame and embarrassment inhibit teens from seeking care.

Nationally, the teen birth rate dropped about 20 percent between 1991 and 1999. Some sources have attributed this to more effective use of birth control and increased education about the consequences of sexual activity in teen years. The U.S. teen pregnancy rate is still higher than most industrialized nations.

Summary of Substitute Bill: Students receiving health instruction paid for with public funds may have health information and disease prevention information that is medically and scientifically accurate related to sexual activity. This curricula should be age appropriate, respectful of different attitudes and perspectives. The information should stress the value of abstinence from sex, while also addressing the health needs of youth who are sexually active. This could include information about contraceptives and methods that prevent sexually transmitted diseases. The curricula should promote interpersonal skills and communication with trusted adults.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: It is clarified that the Department of Health must consult with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop information guidelines.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: This kind of information is critical for youth to receive. Youth are not getting the information they need to prevent the transmission of STDs.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: PRO: Judith Billings, Governor's Advisory Committee of HIV/AIDS; Judy Schoder, DOH.

Signed In/Did Not Testify: PRO: Valerie Fleutsch, health educator; Melinda Reed, Seattle, King County Public Health; Dorothy Young Sale, RWV/WH.