The bill, S.B. No. 983, amends various sections of the Education Code to establish new requirements for local school health advisory councils and to regulate instruction regarding human sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender identity in public schools. Notably, it mandates the establishment of a local school health advisory council, which will be responsible for recommending health education policies and curricula, including instruction on human sexuality and mental health. The bill also introduces a new section, 28.0043, which prohibits school districts and charter schools from providing or allowing third parties to provide instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity to students from prekindergarten through 12th grade.

Additionally, the bill includes several amendments to existing sections, such as the inclusion of a requirement for a written communication policy regarding discussions on reproductive and sexual health between school employees and students. It also specifies that school districts must adopt policies regarding extracurricular activities related to human sexuality. The bill aims to ensure that health education is comprehensive while restricting certain topics deemed sensitive, thereby shaping the educational landscape concerning health and sexuality in Texas schools.

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