Bill > H656

This bill introduces comprehensive requirements for sexual health education in Massachusetts schools, mandating that districts provide medically accurate, age-appropriate instruction covering a wide range of topics. Schools will now be required to file biennial reports detailing their sexual health education curriculum, including the number of hours taught and students enrolled. The bill stipulates that sexual health education must be inclusive of all students, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity, and must cover topics such as human development, anatomy, reproduction, abstinence, sexually transmitted infection prevention, relationship skills, consent, dating violence prevention, and resources for LGBTQ+ students. Schools must also develop a written policy notifying parents about the curriculum and their right to withdraw their child from instruction, ensuring that no student faces disciplinary action for such withdrawal. The bill requires alternative educational activities for withdrawn students and mandates that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education review and update the curriculum framework at least every 10 years. The legislation aims to provide comprehensive, inclusive, and scientifically accurate sexual health education that supports students' overall understanding of health, relationships, and personal development.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H656