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The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –
A bill that would require Tennessee public schools to obtain parental consent before allowing students to participate in sex education classes will be considered by the House K-12 Subcommittee next week.
House Bill 0727 (HB0727) is sponsored by Rep. Bud Hulsey (R-Kingsport-District 2) and would require “a student’s parent or legal guardian, or the student if the student has reached the age of majority, to provide a written, informed, and voluntarily signed consent” to the student’s local education agency (LEA) before the student can be exposed to the LEA’s family life curriculum.
This written form of consent is also required before the student can participate in a survey, analysis, or evaluation, or receive health services provided by the school’s coordinated health program.
Corresponding Senate Bill 1443 (SB1443) is sponsored by Sen. Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield-District 23) and was passed as amended by the Senate Education Committee with an 8-1 vote on March 22nd. It currently awaits consideration on the Senate floor.
Under this legislation Tennessee parents would be able to review sex education curriculum and any surveys, evaluations, or school health programs, before their child participates in those activities at school.
This bill would seemingly allow parents to have the information necessary to make well thought out decisions about what their children are learning and being exposed to in the classroom.
HB0727 has officially been scheduled for consideration by the House K-12 Subcommittee on March 28th, 2023.
If you want to support this bill, use the information below and contact the representatives on the subcommittee.
Rep. Kirk Haston (R) – Chair – rep.kirk.haston@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-0750
Rep. Gino Bulso (R) – rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6808
Rep. Chris Hurt (R) – rep.chris.hurt@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2134
Rep. Sam McKenzie (D) – rep.sam.mckenzie@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-0768
Rep. Bryan Richey (R) – rep.bryan.richey@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3560
Rep. William Slater (R) – rep.william.slater@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2534
Rep. Robert Stevens (R) – rep.robert.stevens@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3830
Rep. Todd Warner (R) – rep.todd.warner@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-4170
Rep. Mark White (R) – rep.mark.white@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-4415
About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
