HUMAN SEXUALITY EDUCATION

SB 258 requires New Mexico public schools to include comprehensive human sexuality education in health courses for middle and high school students starting in the 2027-2028 school year. It makes one-half unit of health education a graduation requirement for students entering ninth grade that same year. The bill mandates school districts to submit implementation plans, requires the Public Education Department to develop academic standards and model curricula for grades 6-12, and allows parents to excuse their child from the sexuality portion of health education. This bill directly affects all public and charter schools in New Mexico, their students, and school districts responsible for curriculum planning.