The bill, S.B. No. 37, amends the Texas Education Code to require the State Board of Education to implement age-appropriate and medically accurate instruction on fetal development for students in grades seven and eight as part of the health curriculum. This instruction will cover topics such as the human reproductive process, pregnancy, infertility, prevention of birth defects, and a description of the growth and development of an unborn child during each trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, the board may extend this requirement to other grade levels.

Furthermore, the bill modifies 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 changes will take effect starting with the 2026-2027 school year, and the bill will become law 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

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