Determined to protect the rights of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children, the Arizona House today passed HB 2035, sending it to the Governor. With his signature, parents will be in the driver’s seat of their children’s education on the sensitive subject of sex.

HB 2035 addresses the Governor’s concerns that led him to veto SB 1456, ensuring teachers can teach sexual assault prevention in the lower grades.

The Arizona House today passed HB 2035 along party lines with a vote of 31-29. The Senate passed it weeks ago, also along party lines.

Sponsored by Representative Gail Griffin and Senator Nancy Barto, HB 2035 is a commonsense, balanced approach to addressing concerns from parents about sex education in the public schools. It does not dictate curriculum nor prohibit school districts from offering sex education in grades 5-12. It simply ensures parents have the final say in whether their children will attend such sensitive instruction.

HB 2035 requires district and charter schools to make the sex education curricula available for parents’ review both online and in person. The schools must also notify parents where to find the sex education curricula at least two weeks before any instruction is offered.

Currently, parents have to provide written consent for their child to attend sex education classes. HB 2035 would require the same for any sexuality-related instruction.

Schools would not be allowed to provide sex education prior to fifth grade.

Parents have the fundamental right and responsibility to direct the education and upbringing of their own children. HB 2035 recognizes that right and closes loopholes that have left parents out of the process in many ways.

Politely Ask Governor Ducey to stand up for parents’ rights, sign HB 2035!

 Call his office at (602) 542-4331, or send him an email here.

 Thank you for your engagement on this issue!