SB995,,112023 SENATE BILL 995
February 7, 2024 - Introduced by Senators Agard, Roys, Spreitzer, Larson and Smith, cosponsored by Representatives Conley, Subeck, Shelton, Baldeh, Emerson, Ratcliff, Sinicki, Jacobson, Ohnstad, Palmeri, Stubbs, Clancy and J. Anderson. Referred to Committee on Education.
SB995,,22An Act to repeal 118.019 (2) (a) 10. and 118.019 (2) (a) 11.; to renumber and amend 118.019 (1m) (b), 118.019 (2d) and 118.019 (3); to amend 115.29 (7), 118.019 (1m) (a), 118.019 (2) (a) 1. and 2., 118.019 (2) (a) 5., 118.019 (2) (c), 118.019 (2) (e), 118.019 (4), 118.019 (5) and 146.89 (3r) (e); to repeal and recreate 118.019 (1), 118.019 (2) (intro.) and 118.019 (2m); and to create 118.019 (1m) (b) 1. and 3., 118.019 (2) (a) 3., 3m. and 4., 118.019 (2) (a) 6. and 118.019 (2r) of the statutes; relating to: human growth and development instruction.
SB995,,33Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
Under current law, a school board may offer an instructional program in human growth and development, and current law recommends, but does not require, that a school board include certain instructional topics in the instructional program. Under the bill, school boards must provide an instructional program in human growth and development (instructional program) in grades kindergarten to 12. The requirements for the mandatory instructional program are based on the requirements created in 2009 Wisconsin Act 134, known as the Healthy Youth Act, for optional instructional program provided by school boards.
Under the bill, the instructional program must present medically accurate information to pupils and must, among other things, address the following topics when age-appropriate:
1. The importance of communication between the pupil and the pupil’s family members about sexuality and decision-making about sexual behavior.
2. Reproductive and sexual anatomy and physiology, including biological, psychosocial, and emotional changes that accompany maturation.
3. Puberty, pregnancy, parenting, body image, and gender stereotypes.
4. The skills needed to make responsible decisions about sexuality and sexual behavior throughout the pupil’s life, including how to refrain from making inappropriate verbal, physical, and sexual advances and how to recognize, rebuff, and report any unwanted or inappropriate verbal, physical, and sexual behaviors.
5. The benefits of and reasons for abstaining from sexual activity.
6. The health benefits, side effects, and proper use of contraceptives and barrier methods to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
7. Methods for developing healthy life skills, including setting goals, making
responsible decisions, communicating, and managing stress.
8. How alcohol and drug use affect responsible decision making.
9. The impact of media and one’s peers on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to sexuality.
10. Marriage and parental responsibility.
11. The criminal penalties for engaging in sex.
Under current law, the state superintendent of public instruction may apply for federal funds allocated for providing instruction in any of the topics recommended under current law to be included in a human growth and development instructional program. The bill modifies that authority by authorizing the state superintendent to apply for federal funds allocated for evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs in order to implement such a program.