Colorado Legislative Council Staff

NO FISCAL IMPACT


Drafting Number:

Prime Sponsor(s):

LLS 98-479

Rep. Adkins

Date:

Bill Status:

Fiscal Analyst:

January 31, 1998

House SVMA

Janis Baron (866-3523)

 

TITLE:            CONCERNING LIMITATIONS ON THE PROVISION OF HEALTH EDUCATION.



Summary of Assessment


            The bill includes the following provisions regarding health education:

 

               requires that a parent or legal guardian must provide written consent before a student is allowed to participate in a sex education course;

               requires that several current areas of health education must be age appropriate as determined by local health education advisory councils;

               eliminates the procedure whereby students are excluded from health education only if the parent or guardian provides written confirmation that such instruction is contrary to religious beliefs; and

               requires that written notification of a local comprehensive health education program shall include notice that written consent is required before any student participates in the program and that the parent or legal guardian can withhold consent for any reason.


            The bill is effective upon signature of the Governor.


            This bill’s requirements will necessitate changes in the current parental consent procedures used by school districts. Additionally, local health education advisory councils are required to determine age appropriate instruction for six health education programs:


            communicable diseases                                  human growth and development

            hereditary and developmental conditions       family life education

            high-risk behaviors and concerns                   reproductive health education


            These changes are anticipated to create a minimal fiscal impact which can be absorbed within existing appropriations. Therefore, the bill is assessed as having no fiscal impact.

 


Departments Contacted


            Education