S.B. No. 205 is a bill that mandates the inclusion of fetal development instruction in the public school health curriculum for students in grades seven and eight. The State Board of Education is required to adopt rules that ensure students receive age-appropriate and medically accurate information on fetal development, which will be part of the essential knowledge and skills outlined in the health curriculum. The instruction must cover topics such as the human reproductive process, pregnancy, infertility, prevention of birth defects, and a description of the growth and development of an unborn child during each trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, the board may extend this requirement to other grade levels.

The bill also amends the duties of local school health advisory councils to include recommendations for appropriate curriculum regarding fetal development, ensuring that these recommendations align with the essential knowledge and skills developed by the State Board of Education. Other amendments include the addition of new curriculum requirements related to various health topics, such as human sexuality, opioid dangers, and child abuse. The provisions of this bill will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 28.002, Education Code 28.004 (Education Code 28)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 28.002, Education Code 28.004 (Education Code 28)
Engrossed: Education Code 28.002, Education Code 28.004 (Education Code 28)