House Bill No. 1272 aims to establish healthy relationships education in public schools across Texas. The bill introduces a new section, 28.0041, to the Education Code, mandating that school districts provide age-appropriate healthy relationships education at specified grade levels and courses as determined by the State Board of Education. The curricula must be based on peer-reviewed research and recognized by leading professional organizations, focusing on developing healthy relationships, life skills, and effective communication between adolescents and their families. Additionally, the bill requires school districts to make curriculum materials available for public inspection and to notify parents or guardians about the education program at the beginning of each school year.

The bill also includes provisions for parental rights, allowing parents or legal guardians to excuse their children from the healthy relationships education without facing penalties. It establishes a grievance procedure for complaints regarding violations of this section and ensures that parents are informed about their rights to review curriculum materials and participate in the development of the education program. Furthermore, the bill amends Section 12.104(b) of the Education Code to include healthy relationships education as a requirement for open-enrollment charter schools. The act is set to take effect in the 2026-2027 school year, with provisions for immediate effect if passed by a two-thirds majority.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 12.104 (Education Code 12)