The bill, H.B. No. 4208, proposes to amend the Texas Education Code to include fetal development instruction as a required component of the health curriculum for public school students. Specifically, it adds a new subsection (r-2) to Section 28.002, mandating that the State Board of Education develop rules requiring students to learn about fetal development, the humanity of the unborn child, and the concept that life begins at fertilization. The instruction must cover various topics, including the human reproductive process, pregnancy, infertility, and the prevention of birth defects. Additionally, it specifies that students should be shown certain educational videos related to fetal development and provided with informational materials as outlined in the Health and Safety Code.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 28.004(c) to expand the duties of local school health advisory councils. It adds a new item (9) that requires these councils to recommend appropriate curriculum for the fetal development instruction described in the newly added Section 28.002(r-2). This ensures that the recommendations made by the councils align with the essential knowledge and skills established by the State Board of Education. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 28.002, Education Code 28.004 (Education Code 28)