Bill
SB 131
SB 131 requires implementing age-appropriate K-12 curriculum on human trafficking prevention, with parental notice/opt-out, staff training, and student referral procedures.
Status: Introduced Jan 23, 2025. (Document note: “Pursuant to Joint Standing Rule No. 14.3.1, no further action allowed.”)
Summary
- SB 131 requires the State Department of Education to develop age‑appropriate curriculum standards and supporting guidance for instruction on the prevention of human trafficking for pupils in grades 6–12, and to update related personal‑safety guidance.
- Local school boards and charter school governing bodies must implement instruction based on those standards as part of health coursework, notify parents, and allow opt‑outs in most circumstances.
- The bill also requires recommendations and supports for school training, parent materials, and referral procedures for students who report or experience safety threats.
Key provisions
- Curriculum standards: Department to develop age‑appropriate, research‑based standards for
- Personal safety of children (existing requirement, updated);
- Prevention of human trafficking for grades 6–12.
- Content definition (instruction in prevention of human trafficking must include):
- Prevalence and nature of human trafficking (including trafficking of minors);
- Strategies pupils can use to reduce risk of becoming victims; and
- Safe ways to seek help if at risk or victimized.
- Training and materials: Department must provide recommendations to assist districts/charter schools to develop:
- A training plan so at least one employee per school (designated by the principal) receives training on child personal safety and human‑trafficking prevention;
- Educational materials for parents/guardians describing the instruction and when/how to reinforce it.
- Implementation by local schools:
- Boards must implement the instruction as part of health coursework;
- Schools/districts decide grade placement and materials used, consistent with Department standards and recommendations.
- Parental notification and opt‑out:
- Parents/guardians must be notified before instruction;
- Parents may submit written requests to excuse pupils from some/all of the instruction (except when the instruction is part of a course required for graduation);
- Instructional materials must be available for parental inspection in advance.
- Referral procedures: Department to recommend policies/procedures for referring children (and families, as appropriate) who report or experience incidents threatening personal safety to counseling and other services.
- Ongoing review and funding:
- Department to review standards annually to keep content current;
- Department may accept grants or donations to support implementation.
Who would be affected
- Primary: pupils in grades 6–12, their parents/guardians.
- Schools: district boards, charter schools, principals (designating trained staff), classroom teachers, and counselors.
- State agencies: Department of Education (to develop standards and materials); potential coordination with law enforcement and social service providers for referrals.
- Fiscal: the bill creates implementation duties that may require staff time, training costs, and materials — costs would be borne by school districts/charter schools and potentially supported by grants.
Procedural/timeline notes
- Introduced Jan 23, 2025. The Department is directed to develop standards and recommendations; the bill requires local implementation once those standards are in place. The bill also directs an annual review of the standards.
- The provided status line (“Pursuant to Joint Standing Rule No. 14.3.1, no further action allowed”) indicates the measure was not advanced further under the body’s procedural rules (check chamber journals or legislative tracking for current status).
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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