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Senate committee presses sponsor to define 'gender identity' as parental-notification bill is revised
Summary
Senate Education Committee advanced discussion on SB 389, a parental-notification and opt-out proposal for instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity that sponsors say applies only to material outside state standards; sponsor agreed to add an in‑bill definition and return with amendments.
Little Rock — The Senate Education Committee debated a bill intended to require parents be notified and given an opportunity to review or opt out when school districts teach material on sexual orientation or gender identity that falls outside Arkansas academic standards.
Senator Ballinger (Senate District 5), the bill sponsor, told the committee SB 389 would require districts to provide advance notice and access to curricular materials when instruction “is outside the existing academic standards,” and would allow parents to opt their child out without academic penalty. Ballinger said the change is intended to give parents “the opportunity to…
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