Mandated Sex Education Bill Stalls in Committee

In an 8-8 vote on Wednesday, the House Education Committee deadlocked on a proposal to require sex education in Louisiana public schools. HB 802, by Rep. Patricia Smith (D-Baton Rouge), would require “age appropriate” sex education beginning in the 2013-14 academic year.

The courses would cover abstinence, contraceptives, and STDs, and parents would retain the right to opt their children out. Several members were absent Wednesday; Smith plans to bring up the bill for another committee hearing during this legislative session.

State law currently allows school districts to offer sex education if they wish.

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