The bill, S.B. No. 37, mandates the inclusion of fetal development instruction in the public school health curriculum for students in grades seven and eight. The State Board of Education is required to adopt rules that ensure this instruction is age-appropriate and medically accurate, covering topics such as the human reproductive process, pregnancy, infertility, prevention of birth defects, and a detailed description of fetal growth during each trimester. Additionally, the board may extend this requirement to other grade levels as deemed appropriate.

Furthermore, the bill amends the duties of local school health advisory councils to include recommendations for appropriate curriculum regarding fetal development, ensuring that these recommendations align with the essential knowledge and skills established by the State Board of Education. The bill also updates existing provisions related to health education, mental health, and substance abuse prevention, while introducing new requirements for instruction on fetal development. The changes will take effect starting with the 2026-2027 school year.

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