This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 121A.23, subdivision 1, to enhance the requirements for sexually transmitted infections and diseases prevention programs in school districts. The commissioner of education, in collaboration with the commissioner of health, is tasked with assisting districts in creating and executing these programs. The updated requirements include the necessity for planning materials and guidelines that are medically and scientifically accurate and unbiased, as well as a comprehensive curriculum that is also medically and scientifically unbiased and updated. The curriculum must include a broader range of topics related to sexually transmitted infections and diseases, rather than being limited to specific activities.

Additionally, the bill removes certain previous requirements, such as the targeting of adolescents at high risk for sexually transmitted infections and diseases, and the stipulation that programs must not conflict with existing health and wellness curricula. The amendments also streamline the numbering of program components and clarify that the department may assist nonpublic schools participating in district programs. If a district does not develop or implement the required program, the department is mandated to help the service cooperative in that region to fulfill the requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 121A.23