Bill > SB117

This bill establishes the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act, which sets strict guidelines for how school officials can discuss gender identity and sexual relationships with students in Missouri public schools. The legislation defines key terms like "biological sex" (based on birth certificate or government records) and "gender identity" (focused on biological reproductive characteristics), and places significant restrictions on school personnel's interactions with students regarding these topics. Specifically, school officials are prohibited from encouraging students to adopt a particular gender identity or sexual relationship, must notify parents within 48 hours if a student expresses confusion about their biological sex, cannot use a different name or pronoun for a student without parental written permission, and are protected if they refuse to use pronouns that do not match a student's biological sex based on religious or moral convictions. The bill allows exceptions for educational contexts like science or art classes with academic significance and provides that school districts must determine appropriate penalties for officials who knowingly violate these provisions. The legislation appears designed to limit discussions about gender identity and sexual orientation in school settings and ensure parental involvement in such matters.

Education

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=493