SB 51
Requiring course in public schools on human development
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, known as the "Baby Olivia Act", requires West Virginia public schools to include a course on human growth and development related to pregnancy and human development inside the womb, starting in the third grade. The curriculum will utilize specific instructional materials, including a high-definition ultrasound video and a video produced by Live Action, and establishes the State Board of Education’s authority to create and implement this curriculum. The bill also grants the Attorney General the power to enforce the new requirements.
Key provisions
- Requires a course on human growth and development related to pregnancy and fetal development to begin in grade three.
- Mandates the use of a specific high-definition ultrasound video and the ‘Meet Baby Olivia’ video in the curriculum.
- Authorizes the State Board of Education to develop and implement the curriculum through rule-making.
- Grants the Attorney General the authority to enforce the ‘Baby Olivia Act’.
- Creates a new section (§18-2-47) in the West Virginia Code specifically addressing the human growth and development curriculum.
- Requires the curriculum to include an oral, written, or digital lesson on human biology related to pregnancy and development.
- Establishes a process for parents or guardians to opt their children out of the instruction.
- Provides for civil penalties for violations of the ‘Baby Olivia Act’.
Who is affected
- Public school students in West Virginia
- Parents and guardians of students
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