HB899

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	899
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to growth and development in sexuality health education curriculum.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that an understanding of fetal growth and development is essential to a comprehensive sexual health education program. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that sexual health education curricula be medically accurate and consistent with scientific research. Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognize that students with access to sexual health education programs are more likely to have fewer sexual partners, use protection during sex, and postpone engaging in sexual activity.

The purpose of this Act is to provide students with a medically accurate understanding of fetal growth and development to reduce their likelihood of engaging in high-risk sexual behavior.

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

"§321- Growth and development and sexuality health education curriculum. (a) Health programs funded by the State shall include human growth and development discussion. The human growth and development discussion shall include:

(1) A high-definition ultrasound video, at least three minutes in duration, showing the development of the brain, heart, sex organs, and other vital organs in early fetal development; and

(2) A high-quality, computer-generated rendering or animation showing the process of fertilization and every stage of human development inside the uterus, noting significant markers in cell growth and organ development for every week of pregnancy until birth.

(b) Sexuality health education programs funded by the State shall include:

(1) A high-definition ultrasound video, at least three minutes in duration, showing the development of the brain, heart, sex organs, and other vital organs in early fetal development; and

(c) The superintendent of education shall ensure the requirements of this section are included in the Hawaii health content and sexual health education standards.

(d) For the purposes of this section:

"Human growth and development discussion" means an oral, written, or digital lesson, lecture, or presentation about human biology related to pregnancy and human development inside the womb.

"Sexuality 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 on July 1, 2025.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Education; Sexuality Health Education; Fetal Growth and Development

Description:

Requires that student health and sexuality health education programs include discussion of fetal growth and development. Outlines specific content to be included.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

HB 899: RELATING TO GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN SEXUALITY HEALTH EDUCATION CURRICULUM.

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