law18191

Chapter 191

2018 -- S 2264 SUBSTITUTE A
Enacted 07/02/2018

A N A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM

Introduced By: Senators Lynch Prata, Goodwin, Gallo, Quezada, and Crowley

Date Introduced: February 01, 2018

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 16-22-18 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-22 entitled

"Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is hereby

amended to read as follows:

16-22-18. Health and family life courses.

(a) Every secondary school teaching courses in family life or sex education within this

state shall include, as part of the course instruction, abstinence from sexual activity and refraining

from sexual intercourse as the preferred method of pregnancy prevention and the prevention of

sexually transmitted diseases. Provided further, part of the course instruction may incorporate

age-appropriate and developmentally-appropriate developmentally appropriate elements of

effective and evidence-based programs on the law and meaning of consent. Such age-appropriate

and developmentally-appropriate developmentally appropriate elements of effective and

evidence-based programs on the prevention of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and

sexual violence may include instruction that increases student awareness of the fact that consent

is required before sexual activity.

(b) Upon written request to the school principal, a pupil not less than eighteen (18) years

of age or a parent or legal guardian of a pupil less than eighteen (18) years of age, within a

reasonable period of time after the request is made, shall be permitted to examine the curriculum

program instruction materials at the school in which his or her child is enrolled.

directive to the principal of the school. No child so exempted shall be penalized academically by

reason of the exemption.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC004240/SUB A

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