The proposed bill amends Section 16-40A-2 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to establish stringent requirements for sex education and human reproductive system curricula in public K-12 schools. It mandates that these programs focus on sexual risk avoidance and promote abstinence as the only 100 percent effective method to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. The bill explicitly prohibits the promotion of abortions, any sexual activity, and demonstrations of contraceptives within the curriculum. Additionally, it allows parents or guardians to opt their children out of these programs and requires schools to provide advance written notification of the content being taught. Notably, the bill deletes previous language that permitted broader discussions of sexual health and contraception, narrowing the focus to abstinence and risk avoidance.

Moreover, the bill introduces new provisions that restrict educational institutions from utilizing any individual or organization for teaching sex education unless they endorse sexual risk avoidance as the primary instructional method. It also prohibits the involvement of individuals or organizations that perform abortions or provide referrals to abortion services. The Attorney General is granted the authority to enforce these provisions, ensuring compliance through injunctive relief. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024, following its passage in the House of Representatives with a vote of 72 in favor, 22 against, and 6 abstentions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-40A-2
Engrossed: 16-40A-2