The proposed bill would amend current statutes by adding a new section to Title 15, Chapter 7 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically Section 15-712.02. This new section mandates the State Board of Education (SBE) to establish age-appropriate academic standards for instruction on fetal and prenatal human development. The SBE would be required to determine appropriate grade levels for this instruction, ensure that it is factual and focused solely on biological processes, and include it in the competency requirements for science education. The instruction must cover various aspects of prenatal development, including fertilization, early cellular development, stages of development, major milestones, and supporting biological structures.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the instruction must be descriptive, age-appropriate, and explicitly exclude topics related to sexual activity, contraception, or reproductive decision-making. It also clarifies that this instruction is not classified as sex education, thereby exempting it from parental consent or opt-out requirements. Overall, the bill aims to standardize and regulate the teaching of fetal and prenatal development in Arizona schools while ensuring that the content remains strictly biological and educational.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-712.02
House Engrossed Version: 15-115.02, 15-712.02, 36-449.01
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-712.02