HB 315: Human Development Instruction - Utah

Substitute #1 → Substitute #2 · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to shift the specific human development instruction requirements from a new standalone section to an amendment within the existing health curriculum section. The core content regarding video requirements was modified to allow a single combined video covering fertilization and development, with ultrasound footage becoming optional rather than mandatory. The effective date for these new requirements was updated from July 1, 2026, to the start of the 2027-2028 school year.

Scope change

The scope of the bill changed from enacting a new standalone statute to amending an existing health curriculum section. The applicability of the video requirements was modified to allow schools to use one video that covers both fertilization and organ development, rather than requiring two separate videos.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the video requirement from two separate mandatory videos (one for organ development and one for fertilization) to a single mandatory video showing fertilization and development, making the ultrasound video optional.

TIMELINE

Updated the effective date for the new human development instruction requirements from July 1, 2026, to the beginning of the 2027-2028 school year.

TECHNICAL

Removed the creation of a new standalone section number (53G-10-308) and integrated all human development instruction requirements directly into the existing Section 53G-10-402.

Updated the Senate Sponsor name from 'LONG TITLE' to 'Brady Brammer' and adjusted the bill's title and description to reflect the amendment structure.

Amended 2/26/2026 12:02:527 → Substitute #1 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Utah's health education laws to mandate specific instructional videos on fetal development and fertilization starting in the 2027-2028 school year. It requires Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to show a high-definition ultrasound video and a video of fertilization during health, child development, and biology classes. The bill also adds a requirement for LEAs to provide annual compliance assurances to the state board and clarifies the effective date of the legislation.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of required health instruction by adding new mandatory video content and broadening the list of courses where this instruction must be delivered to include biology and child development courses.

REQUIREMENT

Mandates the inclusion of a high-definition ultrasound video and a fertilization video in human growth and development instruction.

Requires LEAs to provide annual compliance assurances to the State Board of Education.

Expands the list of required courses for the new video instruction to include child development and biology courses.

TIMELINE

Sets the effective date for the new video requirements to the 2027-2028 school year.

TECHNICAL

Corrects a typo in the original text where the section number was duplicated.

Amended Excerpts 2/26/2026 12:02:527 → Amended 2/26/2026 12:02:527 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill adds a new requirement for Utah school districts to show specific high-definition ultrasound videos during human growth and development classes starting in the 2027-2028 school year. It also updates the health curriculum rules to include these videos and clarifies that districts must provide parental access to instructional materials. Additionally, the state board is now required to publish a list of approved materials and receive annual compliance reports from school districts.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of health education requirements by mandating specific video content and adding new reporting obligations for school districts.

REQUIREMENT

New mandate requiring LEAs to show high-definition ultrasound videos and videos of fertilization during human growth and development instruction.

New requirement for the state board to publish a list of appropriate instructional materials on its website.

Updated health instruction requirements to include the new video mandates alongside existing puberty and biology course requirements.

ENFORCEMENT

New requirement for each LEA to submit an annual assurance to the state board confirming compliance with the new section.

TIMELINE

Established a specific effective date of July 1, 2026, for the bill's provisions.

Introduced → Amended Excerpts 2/26/2026 12:02:527 · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to expand the requirement for human growth and development instruction to include specific video content in grades 5 and 6, in addition to existing requirements for grades 3 through 12. The amendment also clarifies that this instruction must occur during puberty education programs and biology courses, while removing a requirement for a high-definition ultrasound video showing brain and heart development in early fetal stages.

Scope change

The scope of instruction was expanded to include grades 5 and 6, and the specific video content requirements were narrowed by removing the mandate for an early fetal development ultrasound video.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement for instruction on human growth and development during puberty or maturation education programs in grades 5 and 6.

Added a requirement for instruction during any biology course.

Removed the mandate for a high-definition ultrasound video showing brain, heart, and sex organ development in early fetal stages.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective start date for the new video requirements from the 2026-2027 school year to the 2027-2028 school year.

Human Development Instruction

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