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The Tennessee Conservative [By Jason Vaughn] –
Legislation that would require schools to obtain parental consent before exposing students to sex education classes will soon be considered by the Senate Education Committee.
Senate Bill 1443 (SB1443), sponsored by Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield-District 23), passed on first and second consideration back in February and will be considered by the committee on March 15th.
The bill’s summary states – As introduced, requires 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 LEA before the student may receive instruction through the LEA’s family life curriculum, participate in a survey, analysis, or evaluation, or receive health services provided through a coordinated school health program. – Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 1; Title 49, Chapter 2; Title 49, Chapter 6 and Title 68.
If passed, the new legislation would give parents the right to see any surveys that may be given to their child and would require that schools get written permission from parents before minor students can participate in a program with a “family life curriculum.” Students over the age of 18 would be able to consent for themselves.
The companion House Bill 0727 (HB0727) is sponsored by Representative Bud Hulsey (R-Kingsport-District 2). It has been assigned to the House K-12 Subcommittee but has not yet been placed on the calendar.
If you are in favor of this bill and would like to express your support, please contact the members of the committee as listed below prior to March 15th.
Senate Education Committee Members
Jon Lundberg (Chair) (R)- sen.jon.lundberg@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-5761
Bill Powers (Vice-Chair) (R) – sen.bill.powers@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2734
Raumesh Akbari (2nd Vice-Chair) (D) – sen.raumesh.akbari@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-1767
Rusty Crowe (R) – sen.rusty.crowe@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2468
Todd Gardenhire (Chair) (R)- sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6682
Ferrell Haile (R) – sen.ferrell.haile@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-1999
Joey Hensley (R) – sen.joey.hensley@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3100
Mark Pody (R) – sen.mark.pody@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2421
Dawn White (R) – sen.dawn.white@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6853
About the Author: Jason Vaughn, Media Coordinator for The Tennessee Conservative ~ Jason previously worked for a legacy publishing company based in Crossville, TN in a variety of roles through his career. Most recently, he served as Deputy Director for their flagship publication. Prior, he was a freelance journalist writing articles that appeared in the Herald Citizen, the Crossville Chronicle and The Oracle among others. He graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s in English-Journalism, with minors in Broadcast Journalism and History. Contact Jason at news@TennesseeConservativeNews.com
