This bill amends current law to require school districts to obtain written permission from a parent or legal guardian before administering certain health surveys to students. Previously, school districts were only required to send prior written notification to parents or guardians. The surveys in question address topics such as the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and vaping; sexual behavior and attitudes; behaviors contributing to injuries or violence; and physical activity and nutrition-related behaviors.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the written permission must be delivered to parents or guardians at least two weeks prior to the survey's administration and must include detailed information about the survey, including its purpose, access to the information collected, and instructions for granting or denying permission. The information gathered from these surveys will be submitted to the Department of Education and the Department of Health for the development of public health initiatives, but it cannot be used for marketing or commercial purposes unrelated to student health.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:36-34.1