2022 -- H 7166

========

LC003446

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM

     Introduced By: Representatives Kislak, Donovan, Potter, Felix, Alzate, Speakman,
Carson, Henries, Tanzi, and Ajello

     Date Introduced: January 26, 2022

     Referred To: House Education

     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 grades six (6) through twelve (12) 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 elements of effective

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

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. Provided

further, courses in family life or sex education shall be appropriate for students of all races, genders,

sexual orientations, ethnic and cultural backgrounds; affirmatively recognize pleasure based sexual

relations, different sexual orientations and be inclusive of same-sex relationships in discussions and

examples. In addition, comprehensive course instruction shall include gender, gender expression,

gender identity, and the harm of negative gender stereotypes.

     (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.

     (c) A parent or legal guardian may exempt his or her child from the program by written

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.

========

LC003446

========

LC003446 - Page 2 of 3

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM

***

     This act would amend the current law so that courses in family life or sex education taught

in grades six (6) through twelve (12) shall be appropriate for students of all races, genders, sexual

orientations, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Teachings would recognize pleasure based sexual

relations, different sexual orientations and be inclusive of same-sex relationships. The act would

also provide that instruction include gender, gender expression, gender identity, and the harm of

negative gender stereotypes.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC003446

========

LC003446 - Page 3 of 3