California’s Sex Health Education Accountability Act

California has a number of formal acts in statute. Health and Safety Code Division 120 provides the Sexual Health Education Accountability Act, which is contained in Section 151000 to 151003. Division 120 was added in 2007 by Chapter 602. Section 151000 names the Act.

Section 151001 provides definitions for the following terms: “age appropriate”; “sexual health education program”; and, “medically accurate.” Section 151002 requires every sexual health education program to satisfy specified requirements. In addition, a sexual health education program that is directed at minors is required to comply with specified criteria.

In addition, a sexual health education program conducted by an outside agency at a publicly funded school must comply with specified requirements if the program addresses HIV/AIDS, as well as if the program addresses pregnancy prevention and sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS.

An applicant for funds to administer a sexual health education program must attest in writing that its program complies with all conditions of funding, including those enumerated in this section. If the program is conducted by an outside agency at a publicly funded school, the applicant must indicate in writing how the program fits in with the school’s plan to comply fully with existing law.

Section 151003 requires this division to apply only to grants that are funded pursuant to contracts entered into or amended on or after January 1, 2008.