Bill > SB230

This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to establish new requirements for parental control over instructional materials and books containing sexually explicit content in Pennsylvania schools. The legislation mandates that school entities (including school districts, charter schools, and technical schools) develop a public policy that requires directly identifying and listing sexually explicit materials used in classrooms and libraries, and implementing an opt-in form system where parents must explicitly give permission for their children to access such content. The opt-in form must include a specific definition of sexual conduct and list the specific books and materials that meet the sexually explicit content criteria. Parents must be allowed to review these materials upon request, and schools are required to provide alternative non-explicit instructional materials if a parent does not provide permission. The bill defines "sexually explicit content" as materials containing visual or written depictions of sexual conduct, simulations of sexual conduct, or nudity accessible to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Schools must seek public input on these policies and implement them by August 30, 2025, with the understanding that they can implement additional transparency measures and determine age-appropriateness of content. The legislation takes effect 60 days after passage.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=230