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LB 213

Require the State Board of Education to adopt academic content standards on human embryology under the science education standards

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rick Holdcroft

Nebraska's SBOE must adopt measurable human embryology standards in science by March 1, 2026 and implement them in K–12 by the 2026–27 school year, with an opt-out option.

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Bill Summary · LB 213

Summary — LB 213 (2025)

Title: Require the State Board of Education to adopt academic content standards on human embryology under the science education standards
Introduced: January 14, 2025 (Sen. Rick Holdcroft)
Status: Advanced to General File with AM645 (Education Committee, placed on General File 3/18/2025)

Purpose

LB 213 directs the Nebraska State Board of Education (SBOE) to adopt measurable academic content standards specifically for human embryology as part of the statewide science standards. The goal stated by the introducer is to ensure biologically accurate instruction and use of visual recordings showing fetal development.

Key provisions

  • Amends section 79-760.01 of the Quality Education Accountability Act to add human embryology to the State's measurable academic content standards under science.
  • Deadline for adoption: SBOE must adopt the standards by March 1, 2026.
  • Implementation: The standards must be incorporated into elementary, middle, and high school curricula no later than the start of the 2026–27 school year.
  • Curriculum content requirements (as introduced):
    • Instruction on human development that accurately portrays the biological science of human embryology.
    • Visual recordings showing development of organs (brain, heart, sex organs, etc.) throughout fetal development.
  • Parental/guardian opt-out: A parent, guardian, or other educational decisionmaker (per §79‑530) may opt their student out of the human embryology instruction.
  • Conformity with existing standards rules: Standards must be clear and measurable for use in assessing student performance; SBOE will review/update standards on a 7‑year cycle per existing law.

Important amendment (AM645)

  • Makes use of the Carnegie Stages of Human Embryonic Development optional rather than mandatory.
  • Removes the original requirement that visual recordings be at least "four‑dimensional (4D)"; amended language requires only high‑definition recordings.
  • Strikes the bill’s emergency clause (so the act would not take effect immediately upon enactment).

Who is affected

  • Public school students (elementary through high school) across Nebraska.
  • Public school districts, teachers, science curriculum developers, and school administrators responsible for adopting and delivering the new standards.
  • Parents/guardians and educational decisionmakers who may opt students out.
  • State Board of Education, which must adopt the standards by the statutory deadline.

Legislative process and procedural notes

  • Education Committee hearing: February 24, 2025. Committee advanced the bill with AM645.
  • Committee roll-call reflected support and opposition (committee vote roster listed).
  • Testimony included proponents (Nebraska Catholic Conference, Nebraska Right to Life, Nebraska Family Alliance) and opponents (individuals, ACLU of Nebraska, Beatrice Public Schools, Nebraska Association of School Boards, Schools Taking Action for NE Children, Planned Parenthood North Central States).
  • A number of sponsor motions (bracket, recommit, indefinitely postpone) were filed and later withdrawn; the bill remains on General File with AM645 as of March 18, 2025.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Curriculum change and teacher training: districts will need to align local curricula and teacher materials to the new statewide standards within one academic year after adoption.
  • Resource needs: procurement or production of “high‑definition” visual materials, and potential costs for curriculum development and professional development.
  • Community and legal responses: the topic generated organized support and opposition during committee hearings; opt‑out provisions may reduce direct classroom exposure for some students.

This summary reflects the introduced bill and the committee amendment AM645 as of March 18, 2025.

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

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