Calif. Gov. Signs Bill Requiring Parental Notification When Consultants Teach HIV/AIDS, Sex Education in Schools

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) on Monday signed 37 bills, including a measure (AB 1925) that requires school districts to notify a student's parent or guardian if an outside consultant or assembly with a guest speaker will provide comprehensive instruction on sexual health or HIV/AIDS prevention, the Los Angeles Times reports (Rau, Los Angeles Times, 8/31). The bill allows parents or guardians to view educational materials, receive background information on speakers or prevent students from participating in programs and surveys focused on sexual health and HIV/AIDS. Existing law requires schools to notify parents about instruction in sexual education and HIV/AIDS prevention and allows them to excuse their child from the programs (AB 1925 text, 8/31).