HB464

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	464
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that in July 2001, the Surgeon General's Call to Action to Promote Sexual Health and Responsible Sexual Behavior was released. Citing research findings on the effectiveness of various program interventions, the Surgeon General's report stresses the importance of sex education that balances the encouragement of abstinence with an awareness of optimal protection from sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy for those who are sexually active. In its set of national goals for improved public health, known as Healthy People 2010, the United States Department of Health and Human Services also emphasizes the need to reduce teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease rates in part using comprehensive sex education programs.

In order to help students make decisions that promote healthy behaviors, the department of education instructs students that abstention from sexual intercourse is the surest and most responsible way to prevent unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and the consequent emotional distress.

The purpose of this Act is to require any recipient of state funding that provides sexual health education to provide medically accurate, factual information that is age-appropriate and includes education on both abstinence and contraception.

SECTION 2. Chapter 321, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§321‑ Sexual health education; requirements. (a) Any recipient of state funding that provides sexual health education shall provide medically accurate, factual information that is age-appropriate and that includes education on both abstinence and contraception for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

(b) For purposes of this section:

"Age-appropriate" means suitable to a particular age or age group based on the developing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral capacity typical for that age or age group.

"Factual information" means medical, psychiatric, psychological, empirical, or statistical information or statement that is supported by peer-reviewed research by leading medical, psychiatric, psychological, and public health organizations and agencies.

"Medically accurate" means verified or supported by research conducted in compliance with scientific methods and published in peer-reviewed journals, where appropriate, and recognized as accurate and objective by professional organizations and agencies with expertise in the relevant field, such as the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Public Health Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

"Sexual health education" means education in any medium regarding human development and sexuality, including education on pregnancy, family planning, and sexually transmitted diseases."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________