WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 359

AN ACT relating to human growth and development instruction.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shane Baker and 32 co-sponsors

HB 359 requires parental consent and opt-out rights for grade 6+ human sexuality lessons, includes two-week notice, and mandates age-appropriate, abstinence-focused, development-fo

to Primary and Secondary Education (H)
#childrenandminors #education #elementaryandsecondary
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 359

Summary of HB 359 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

HB 359 aims to regulate human growth and development instruction in Kentucky public schools. The bill emphasizes age-appropriate, developmentally suitable content, parental rights and involvement, and the provision of scientifically accurate information that supports student health, safety, and long-term welfare. It seeks to establish clear statutory guidance for schools on how such instruction should be delivered, while balancing curriculum goals with parental authority and concerns about gender identity and sexual orientation discussions.

Key provisions and changes

  • Curriculum content for human sexuality/human growth and development (KRS 158.1415):

    • Abstinence-focused messaging as the desirable goal for all school-age children.
    • Explicit assertion that abstinence is the only certain method to avoid unintended pregnancy, STDs, and related health problems.
    • Emphasis on a policy that respects parental rights, including:
    • For fifth grade and below, a prohibition on instruction related to human sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases (with an exception for certain grade-appropriate allowances).
    • For any grade level, a prohibition on instruction or presentations that have the goal of students studying or exploring gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation (with specified exceptions noted in the subsection).
    • Parental consent requirement: before a student in grade 6 or above receives instruction on human sexuality or STDs, written parental consent must be obtained in advance.

  • Human growth and development instruction for grades 6 and up:

    • Districts must provide health curricula that include explicit development-focused content:
    • A high-definition ultrasound video (minimum 3 minutes) depicting development of the brain, heart, sex organs, and other vital organs in early fetal development.
    • An age-appropriate, high-quality computer-generated rendering or animation showing fertilization and all stages of human development inside the uterus, noting key milestones from conception through birth.

  • Parental review and opt-out rights:

    • Any course/module on human sexuality or human growth and development offered by the district must:
    • Provide an alternative course or program without penalty to students whose parents have not provided written consent.
    • Be subject to parental inspection, allowing review of curriculum materials, lesson plans, assessments, surveys, assignments, and instructional activities.
    • Be developmentally appropriate and subject to stakeholder review and response processes consistent with related statutory procedures.

  • Parental notification and consent process:

    • Districts must notify parents at least two weeks before a student participates in such coursework.
    • Notifications must include:
    • Summary of the provisions regarding parental rights and consent.
    • Start date of the course/program.
    • How parents can review materials.
    • How to provide written consent for participation.
    • Contact information for the teacher/instructor and a designated school administrator.

  • Allowances and clarifications:

    • The bill does not prohibit discussion of human sexuality in certain contexts related to approved curricula, age-appropriate child sexual abuse education, or answering student questions in relation to approved topics.

Who is affected

  • Public school districts and school councils (or principals) responsible for selecting and implementing human sexuality or human growth and development curricula.
  • Students in grades 6 and above (primary target for growth and development instruction; 5th grade and below have restricted exposure to sexuality content).
  • Parents/guardians, who gain explicit rights to be informed, consent, and inspect materials, and to opt their children out of specific instruction without penalty.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Notification: Districts must provide at least two weeks’ advance notice prior to participation.
  • Consent: Written parental consent required for students in grade 6 or higher before participation.
  • Oversight: Sections specify parental inspection rights, material review, and stakeholder input processes.
  • Implementation status: As introduced in the 2026 session, with committee referrals and sponsor list indicating ongoing legislative consideration.

Notes

The bill foregrounds parental rights and emphasizes abstinence-based messaging, with strict limits on content related to gender identity and sexual orientation, subject to consent and review requirements. It also mandates multimedia educational elements illustrating fetal development for older students.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.