SB 381 requires Kansas public, private, and parochial schools to teach students in grades K-12 about communist and socialist regimes and ideologies through state-developed curriculum. It also mandates that all students entering grade 9 in 2026 or later pass a 100-question American civics exam - modeled after the U.S. citizenship test - to graduate high school. The exam can be taken starting in grade 7, with retakes allowed, and accommodations for students with IEPs follow their individualized plans. This bill revises Kansas graduation requirements under statute 72-3217, effective for students enrolling in high school after July 1, 2026.
HB 2141 requires Kansas school districts to adopt policies allowing parents to object to educational materials or activities not in the approved curriculum or that conflict with their sincerely held beliefs, values, or principles. Parents may withdraw their child from a class or activity without academic penalty, and schools must provide alternative assignments or accommodations. The bill specifies that exemptions do not excuse students from completing required coursework or graduation credits. It applies to all public school districts in Kansas and defines "educational materials" broadly to include textbooks, digital content, and videos, while excluding student presentations.
HB 2104 requires Kansas school districts to use state-established curriculum guidelines for firearm safety education programs if they choose to offer them. It mandates specific, age-appropriate programs: kindergarten through fifth grade must use the NRA's Eddie Eagle Gunsafe program, sixth through eighth grade may choose between Eddie Eagle or the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks' Hunter Education in Our Schools program, and ninth through twelfth grade must use Hunter Education in Our Schools. The bill standardizes these offerings across districts to ensure consistent safety education on firearm accident prevention and response. School districts are not required to implement these programs but must follow the state guidelines if they do. The law takes effect upon publication in the statutes.
SB 275 requires Kansas public school districts to include a specific fetal development presentation in any course covering human growth, development, or sexuality. The presentation must be a 3-minute computer animation or ultrasound showing early brain, heart, and organ development. This mandate applies directly to all K-12 school districts offering these courses, requiring them to add this content to their curriculum. The bill does not alter existing course content but adds this specific requirement for all affected classes.
HB 2382 requires Kansas public school districts to include a mandatory 3-minute visual presentation of early fetal development - showing brain, heart, and vital organ growth - in any course covering human growth, development, or sexuality. This applies to all schools offering such courses, directly affecting students and curriculum design. The presentation must be a high-quality animation or ultrasound, selected by the school district. The bill does not alter funding, teacher training, or course content beyond this specific visual requirement.
