Signed by Governor Jay Inslee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that establishes K-12 sexual education programs in public schools.

Highlights:

• Requires every state public school to provide comprehensive evidence-informed sexual health education as an integral part of the school curriculum, by September 1, 2021 (Sec. 1).

• Defines “evidence-informed” as a program that is informed by scientific research and effective practice that replicates evidence-based programs or substantially incorporates elements of effective programs (Sec. 1).

• Requires comprehensive sexual health education to include information and skills-based instruction that (Sec. 1):

• Includes both abstinence and other methods of preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases;

• Encourages healthy relationships based on mutual respect and affection and are free from violence, coercion, and intimidation;

• Teaches how to identify and respond to attitudes and behaviors that contribute to sexual violence; and

• Emphasizes the importance of affirmative, conscious, and voluntary consent and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity, as a requirement before sexual activity.

• Requires public schools to phase in comprehensive sexual health education for students in grades 6 through 12 by September 1, 2020, and for students in grades kindergarten through 5 by September 1, 2021 (Sec. 1).

• Requires full statewide implementation of comprehensive sexual health education for all grade levels by September 1, 2021 (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes K-12 sexual education programs in public schools.

Highlights:

• Requires every state public school by September 1, 2021 provide comprehensive evidence-informed sexual health education as an integral part of the school curriculum (Sec. 1).

• Defines “evidence-informed” as a program that is informed by scientific research and effective practice that replicates evidence-based programs or substantially incorporates elements of effective programs (Sec. 1).

• Requires that comprehensive sexual health education shall include and cover information on the following subject areas, including, but not limited to (Sec. 1):

• Both abstinence and other methods of preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

• Healthy relationships that are based on mutual respect and affection and are free from violence, coercion, or intimidation;

• How to identify and respond to attitudes and behaviours that contribute to sexual violence; and

• The emphasence and importance of affirmative, conscious, and voluntary consent and agreement to engage in sexual activity.

• Requires that public schools phase in comprehensive sexual health education for students in grades 6 through 12 by September 1, 2020 and then for students in grades Kindergarten through 5 by September 1, 2021 (Sec. 1).

• Requires full statewide implementation of comprehensive sexual health education for all grade levels by September 1, 2021 (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text