Committee backs SB 209 emphasizing 'risk-avoidance' and abstinence-focused instruction
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Summary
The Senate committee gave SB 209 a favorable report. Sponsor Senator Shellnut said the bill emphasizes abstinence as the 'only 100% guaranteed' way to avoid pregnancy and STDs and promotes age-appropriate instruction; one member signaled concerns and will abstain on a floor vote to seek additional scope changes.
Senator Shellnut introduced SB 209 as a bill focused on 'risk avoidance' education, saying the measure aims to structure what is taught in classrooms and to counter perceived misinformation about sexual-health instruction.
The bill's sponsor described the approach as encouraging a 'success sequence' — "get an education, get a job, then get married, and then have kids" — and stressed that abstinence is presented as the "only 100% guaranteed way to avoid getting pregnant or getting a [sexually transmitted disease]." Shellnut said instruction would be age-appropriate and would not include demonstrations of condom use for fourth- and fifth-graders.
Senator Smith said he supported the sponsor's mission to provide structure but warned the bill may be "limited" and might require additional provisions or age-group targeting. Smith said he would not vote against the bill but intended to abstain on the floor vote for the purpose of pursuing further changes.
Senator Hatcher asked for a plain-language explanation of 'risk avoidance.' Shellnut responded with the abstinence-centered framework and confirmed the bill would not bar teaching about contraceptives entirely but would emphasize abstinence as the guaranteed prevention method.
The committee moved to a roll call and the clerk reported the committee gave SB 209 a favorable report with five favorable votes and two abstentions.
The bill will proceed from committee to the full Senate; the record shows at least one member signaled an intention to withhold a floor vote pending further adjustments.
