COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — A proposed bill in Idaho would change the way sex education is handled in school.
In both Washington and Idaho, parents already have the ability to opt their child out of taking sex education.
Under House Bill 239, Idaho parents would have to opt in for their student to get any education on human sexuality.
Rep. Barbara Ehardt said the bill is needed because she believes children are exposed to too much sex.
“We thought an opt-out would solve the problem,” she said. “It is not solving the problem. It is exponentially increasing.”
The bill would require schools to notify parents two weeks before teaching kids about human sexuality. This includes a broad range of subjects like sexual intimacy, sexual behavior and sexual violence.
“When it comes to opting in, that leaves control with the parents as opposed to the school, it allows for complete transparency,” Rep. Ehardt said.
For Rep. Jack Nelsen, it is the sexual violence aspect that pushed him to vote against the bill.
“Forcing the school to go ask a stepfather, you name it, to investigate sexual abuse… when the belief is they are the perpetrator, I just couldn’t vote for a bill like that,” Rep. Nelsen said.
Once parents are notified, they would have one week to submit written permission to the school board.
Supporters of the bill feel this is what is needed to restore parental rights.
In testimony against HB 239, the ACLU expressed concerns over administrative problems this could cause as it would require teachers to send permission slips every time a topic on human sexuality is taught.
As of now, school districts in Idaho are left to decide if they want to have any kind of sex education, as it is not a requirement in the state. But advocates of HB 239 argue the opt out system currently in place is not working.
HB 239 passed the state Senate Tuesday night and is on its way back to the House after a few amendments.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
