HB1946

House Bill 1946 mandates that all Arkansas public schools, including open-enrollment charter schools, provide specific instruction on human growth and development for students in grades six through twelve. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, this instruction must be integrated into any coursework covering human biology, contraception, or sexually transmitted diseases/infections. The bill requires the use of a high-definition ultrasound video of at least three minutes in duration showing early fetal development, as well as a high-quality animation depicting the process of fertilization and weekly fetal development until birth. Additionally, the bill updates the duties of school district superintendents to include providing written assurances of compliance with these new education requirements. Failure to comply would fall under the oversight of the state's Standards for Accreditation.