The bill, H.B. No. 3548, 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. Key provisions include the establishment of local school health advisory councils that will be responsible for recommending health education policies and curricula, including instruction on human sexuality and mental health. The bill also mandates that school districts adopt a written communication policy regarding interactions between school employees and students on topics related to reproductive and sexual health, ensuring that employees refer students to parents or counselors for discussions on these subjects.

Additionally, the bill introduces a restriction that prohibits school districts and charter schools from providing or allowing third parties to provide instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity to students from prekindergarten through 12th grade. This section clarifies that the restriction does not impede students' rights to free speech or the ability of authorized personnel to provide necessary health-related services, provided parental consent is obtained. The bill aims to enhance the structure and content of health education while imposing specific limitations on discussions surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity in Texas schools.

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