H805 - Prevent Sexual Exploitation/Women and Minors. (SL 2025-84)

Overview: Section 3.2 of S.L. 2025‑84 (House Bill 805) requires local boards of education to adopt policies allowing a student or the student's parent or guardian to request excusal from any classroom discussions, activities, or assigned readings if the student, parent, or guardian believes either of the following:

• The discussion, activity, or assigned reading would impose a substantial burden on the student's religious beliefs.
• The discussion, activity, or assigned reading would invade the student's privacy by calling attention to the student's religion.

To the extent practicable, the local board of education must provide advance notice to students, parents, and guardians of the discussions, activities, or assigned readings. The school must provide the excused student with an alternative activity or assignment aligned with the standard course of study.

This bill was vetoed by the Governor on July 3, 2025, and that veto was overridden by the General Assembly on July 29, 2025. This section became effective July 29, 2025.