Twice approved by the House, a comprehensive sexual education bill did not receive Senate approval.
On an 80-51 vote, the House passed a slimmed-down version of HF615*/SF588 May 16. The bill was previously included in the omnibus education policy bill, but removed by a conference committee. It was tabled by the Senate on the session’s final day.
It would have directed the commissioners of education and health to assist districts in developing programs that would include medically accurate and age appropriate prevention efforts for adolescents. The curriculum would have been intended to promote healthy relationships and prevent sexually transmitted infections and pregnancies.
Rep. Neva Walker (DFL-Mpls), who sponsored the bill with Sen. Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), said it did not encourage sexual activity, but gave students the tools they need for prevention.
“It’s not just about sex, it’s about giving them the tools to say no to sex,” Walker said.
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