Committee hears amended bill seeking notice of third‑party consultants used in sex education instruction

Assemblymember Gallagher presented AB 281, saying the amended language would require that school districts provide parents with notice of outside third‑party consultants who deliver instruction on sensitive topics, using the same notice rules now required for guest speakers.

Kelly Shinkowski, testifying on behalf of parents, said the amendment would increase family engagement and allow parents to review third‑party materials before presentations. "Other parents have been faced with similar experiences, and this bill will easily remedy that without changing any curricular content or materials," she said.

Supporters included California Parents Union and several parent organizations. Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California testified in opposition, saying the bill could have a chilling effect on instruction and on providers who work with districts.

Committee members asked whether existing law already permits parents to request materials; Gallagher said some districts do not provide full curricula on request and that a statutory notice requirement would standardize the practice. The chair said he appreciated the author—s work but that committee staff believed current health education law already contains significant transparency and reporting requirements; he issued a "no recommendation" and placed the bill on call.

Ending: The author said he would continue to work cooperatively with stakeholders. The committee took the matter under advisement and left the reconsideration vote on call; the roll yielded a 3–3 split when taken on reconsideration.