House Bill No. 1273 aims to enhance human sexuality education in Texas public schools by establishing specific guidelines and requirements for the curriculum. The bill introduces a new section, 28.0042, to the Education Code, which mandates that school districts provide human sexuality education that is age-appropriate and medically accurate. The State Board of Education is tasked with adopting essential knowledge and skills for the curricula, which must include topics such as gender identity, consent, abstinence, and the health benefits of various contraceptive methods. Additionally, the bill requires school districts to make curriculum materials available for public inspection and to adopt policies regarding the distribution of condoms and menstrual products.

The bill also emphasizes parental involvement by requiring school districts to notify parents about the human sexuality education being provided and their rights to review materials and opt-out their children from the instruction. Furthermore, it amends existing provisions to include human sexuality education under the regulations applicable to open-enrollment charter schools. The act is set to take effect in the 2026-2027 school year, with immediate effect possible if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 12.104, Education Code 28.004 (Education Code 12, Education Code 28)