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HB 1180

Mental health care for veterans with PTSD.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chuck Moseley

The Baby Olivia Act mandates Arkansas schools to teach fetal development from sixth grade, enhancing student understanding of biology and requiring parental consent for health services.

Authored by Representative Moseley
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Bill Summary · HB 1180

Summary of House Bill 1180: The Baby Olivia Act

Bill Number: HB 1180
Introduced: January 21, 2025
Status: Referred to CPC, JHA
Classification: Bill
Subject: Landlord Tenant Code, Failure to Maintain, Unlawful Use, Waste

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1180, titled the Baby Olivia Act, aims to amend existing laws related to human fetal growth and development education in Arkansas public schools. The bill seeks to ensure that students receive comprehensive education on fetal development as part of their health and safety curriculum, starting from the sixth grade.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

  1. Human Fetal Growth and Development Education:

    • Mandates that each public school district and open-enrollment public charter school incorporate a discussion on human fetal growth and development into existing health courses beginning in the sixth grade.
    • Requires the inclusion of specific educational materials, including:
      • A high-definition ultrasound video showcasing early fetal development.
      • A video of at least three minutes detailing the fertilization process and stages of human development until birth.

  2. Approval of Educational Materials:

    • The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education will create a list of approved videos for use in the curriculum, including the "Meet Baby Olivia" video developed by Live Action.

  3. School-Based Health Clinics:

    • Establishes conditions under which school-based health clinics may operate, including:
      • Parental consent requirements for contraceptive services and condom distribution.
      • Annual reporting of pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease statistics to school district boards.

  4. Confidentiality and Record Keeping:

    • Ensures that records related to contraceptive services and student health remain confidential and do not reveal student identities.

  5. Instructional Requirements:

    • Schools offering sex education must include instruction on sexual abstinence and the mandated fetal growth and development discussion.

Impact

The Baby Olivia Act is expected to affect:
- Students: By providing them with education on fetal development, the bill aims to enhance understanding of human biology and reproductive health.
- Public Schools: Schools will need to adjust their health curricula to comply with the new requirements, including the integration of specific educational videos.
- Parents: The bill emphasizes parental involvement and consent in health-related services provided at school-based clinics.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 21, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
  • January 30, 2025: Multiple amendments adopted and the bill reported correctly engrossed.
  • February 6, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • February 19, 2025: Referred to the Senate Education Committee.
  • May 5, 2025: Bill died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1180, the Baby Olivia Act, represents a significant shift in educational policy regarding fetal development education in Arkansas. By mandating specific instructional content and parental involvement, the bill aims to foster a more informed student body regarding human biology and reproductive health.

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

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