Plain English Breakdown
The official status indicates the bill passed the legislature but also lists a last action of 'Died on third reading file,' creating uncertainty about whether it became law or was vetoed/failed later.
AB-281: Rules for Sexual Health and HIV Education Materials
This law requires schools to let parents inspect sexual health education materials, allows them to copy written handouts from outside speakers if not copyrighted, and mandates that schools inform parents about speaker training.
What This Bill Does
- Requires school districts to allow parents or guardians to look at any written or video materials used for comprehensive sexual health and HIV prevention education.
- Allows parents to make copies of written educational material distributed to pupils if it is not copyrighted and was presented by an outside consultant or guest speaker.
- Permits schools to charge up to $0.10 per page when a parent chooses to copy these specific written documents.
- Requires schools to tell parents about their right to inspect materials, make copies of eligible handouts, and learn about the training background of any outside guest speakers or consultants.
Who It Names or Affects
- School districts, including county boards, superintendents, charter schools, and state special schools for the deaf and blind
- Parents and guardians of students in grades 7 through 12 (and potentially younger if education is provided earlier)
- Outside consultants and guest speakers who teach sexual health or HIV prevention education
Terms To Know
- School district
- Includes county boards of education, county superintendents, charter schools, the California School for the Deaf, and the California School for the Blind.
- Outside consultant or guest speaker
- A person or group from outside the school hired to teach a class or give a presentation on sexual health or HIV prevention.
Limits and Unknowns
- Parents can only copy written materials that are not protected by copyright.
- The bill states no reimbursement is required for certain mandates, but other costs may be reimbursed if the Commission on State Mandates determines they were mandated by the state.
- This law applies specifically to comprehensive sexual health and HIV prevention education.