PUBLIC Law, Chapter 196, An Act Regarding Secondary School Education Concerning Sexual Activity and Sexual Assault

An Act Regarding Secondary School Education Concerning Sexual Activity and Sexual Assault

Mandate preamble. This measure requires one or more local units of government to expand or modify activities so as to necessitate additional expenditures from local revenues but does not provide funding for at least 90% of those expenditures. Pursuant to the Constitution of Maine, Article IX, Section 21, 2/3 of all of the members elected to each House have determined it necessary to enact this measure.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §4723, as enacted by PL 1983, c. 859, Pt. C. §§5 and 7, is amended to read:

§ 4723. Health and physical education

The secondary course of study shall must include instruction in health, safety and physical education, as prescribed by the commissioner, and physiology and hygiene, with special reference to the effects of alcoholic drinks, stimulants and narcotics upon the human system. The secondary course of study must also include instruction on affirmative consent, communication and decision making regarding sexual activity and the effects of alcoholic drinks, stimulants and narcotics on the ability to give affirmative consent, communicate and make appropriate decisions. For purposes of this section, "affirmative consent" means consent to sexual activity that can be revoked at any time and does not include silence, lack of resistance or consent given while intoxicated.

Sec. 2. 20-A MRSA §6209, sub-§4, as amended by PL 2015, c. 489, §6, is further amended to read:

4. Review cycle. The commissioner shall conduct a review of the content standards and performance indicators by content area on a 5-year cycle beginning in the 2015-2016 school year. The review of the content standards and performance indicators for the content area of social studies, including student achievement of proficiency in personal finance, must be included in the commissioner's review during the 2015-2016 school year. Any changes that are recommended must be approved through the same process used for establishment of the system of learning results. Beginning in the 2016-2017 school year, the commissioner shall review and make recommendations for objective measures that may be used to substantiate school certifications of postsecondary readiness. The review of the content standards and performance indicators for the content area of health, physical education and wellness, including instruction on affirmative consent, communication and decision making regarding sexual activity and the effects of alcoholic drinks, stimulants and narcotics on the ability to give affirmative consent, communicate and make appropriate decisions, must be included in the commissioner's review beginning in the 2019-2020 school year.

Effective 90 days following adjournment of the 129th Legislature, First Regular Session, unless otherwise indicated.

HP0578 LD 773	PUBLIC Law, Chapter 196 on - Session - 129th Maine Legislature
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