S.B. No. 1396 aims to prohibit the adoption or use of national sex education standards in public schools in Texas. The bill amends the Education Code to define "national sex education standards" and explicitly states that the State Board of Education cannot adopt these standards or common core state standards. Additionally, it ensures that school districts and open-enrollment charter schools are not required to offer any aspect of these national standards.

The bill also modifies the requirements for course materials and instruction related to human sexuality, emphasizing abstinence as the preferred choice for unmarried students. It mandates that any instruction on contraception must be based on real-world effectiveness rather than theoretical rates and explicitly prohibits the use of national sex education standards in developing these materials. The provisions of this act will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, pending legislative approval for immediate effect.

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