5297-S.E AMH SUMP CORD 075

ESSB 5297 - H AMD 708

By Representative Sump

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 if the parent or legal guardian signs and returns the notice to the child's school.

   (b) Any parent or legal guardian who chooses to have his or her child attend any planned instruction in sexual health education must sign and return the notice required in (a) of this subsection to 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 choose whether his or her child will attend instruction in sexual health education, and the alternative educational program or activity that will be available if the parent or legal guardian chooses to have his or her child not attend the instruction in 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 signing and returning the notice required in (a) of this subsection to the school if a parent or legal guardian chooses to have his or her child attend sexual health education instruction."

EFFECT: The amendment:

   (1)  provides that parents and legal guardians may choose whether to have their child attend sexual health education; and

   (2)  adds that parents and legal guardians must be given a written notice within 30 days before the student receives sexual health education instruction, specifying the time and place of the instruction and instructions for signing and returning the notice if choosing to have the child attend the instruction or choosing to review the curriculum.