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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR Garcia, M.P.

ORIGINAL DATE

LAST UPDATED

2-6-06

HB HJM 40

SHORT TITLE Secretary of Health’s Sex Education Decision

SB

ANALYST Collard

APPROPRIATION (dollars in thousands)

Appropriation

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY06

FY07

NFI

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Department of Health (DOH)

Public Education Department (PED)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of HJM 40

House Joint Memorial 40 requests support for the secretary of DOH to direct funds for absti-

nence-only sex education to grades six and below and provide comprehensive sex education to

grades seven and higher. The joint memorial also advocates for increased funding for evidence-

based teen pregnancy prevention strategies.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

There is no fiscal implication associated with the joint memorial.

SIGNIFICANT ISSUES

DOH supports this joint memorial and indicates designating abstinence-only sex education for

grades six and below provides a clear message to younger students that abstaining from sexual

activity is the best option. Older students, who may be sexually active, will be provided with

comprehensive sexuality education, including abstinence education messages and additional in-

formation and resources on protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and preg-

nancy.

House Joint Memorial 40 – Page

2

DOH and PED further indicate effective evidence-based programs: 1) have a specific, narrow

focus on behavior; 2) are based on theoretical approaches that have been effective in influencing

other risky health-related behavior; 3) provide clear messages about sex and protection against

STDs or pregnancy; and 4) reflect the age, sexual experience and culture of the young people in

the program. Comprehensive sex education teaches that abstinence is the best method for avoid-

ing STDs and unintended pregnancy, but also teaches about condoms and contraception to re-

duce the risk of unintended pregnancy and infection with STDs, including HIV. It also teaches

interpersonal and communication skills and helps young people explore their own values, goals,

and options.

KBC/yr