88(R) HB 970 - Introduced version - Bill Text

	88R1604 MCF-D
	By:  Zwiener	H.B.  No.  970

	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to the repeal of statutes regarding the criminality or
	unacceptability of homosexual conduct and to the recognition of
	certain same-sex relationship statuses.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION  1.    The following laws are repealed:
	(1)    Sections 2.001(b), 3.401(5), and 6.204, Family
	Code;
	(2)    Sections 810.001(g), (h), and (i), Government
	Code; and
	(3)    Section 21.06, Penal Code.
	SECTION  2.    Section 85.007(b), Health and Safety Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	(b)    The materials in the education programs intended for
	persons younger than 18 years of age must[:
	[(1)]    emphasize sexual abstinence before marriage and
	fidelity in marriage as the expected standard in terms of public
	health and the most effective ways to prevent HIV infection,
	sexually transmitted diseases, and unwanted pregnancies[; and
	[(2)    state that homosexual conduct is not an
	acceptable lifestyle and is a criminal offense under Section 21.06,
	Penal Code].
	SECTION  3.    Section 163.002, Health and Safety Code, is
	amended to read as follows:
	Sec.  163.002.    INSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS. Course materials and
	instruction relating to sexual education or sexually transmitted
	diseases should include:
	(1)    an emphasis on sexual abstinence as the only
	completely reliable method of avoiding unwanted teenage pregnancy
	and sexually transmitted diseases;
	(2)    an emphasis on the importance of self-control,
	responsibility, and ethical conduct in making decisions relating to
	sexual behavior;
	(3)    statistics, based on the latest medical
	information, that indicate the efficacy of the various forms of
	contraception;
	(4)    information concerning the laws relating to the
	financial responsibilities associated with pregnancy, childbirth,
	and child rearing;
	(5)    information concerning the laws prohibiting
	sexual abuse and the legal and counseling options available to
	victims of sexual abuse;
	(6)    information on how to cope with and rebuff
	unwanted physical and verbal sexual advances, as well as the
	importance of avoiding the sexual exploitation of other persons;
	and
	(7)    psychologically sound methods of resisting
	unwanted peer pressure[; and
	[(8)    emphasis, provided in a factual manner and from a
	public health perspective, that homosexuality is not a lifestyle
	acceptable to the general public and that homosexual conduct is a
	criminal offense under Section 21.06, Penal Code].
	SECTION  4.    This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
	a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
	provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.    If this
	Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
	Act takes effect September 1, 2023.