Establishes an age-appropriate sex education grant program, to be referred to as the healthy teens act

BILL NUMBER:S5897

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to establishing the age-appropriate sex education grant program, to be referred to as the healthy teens act

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would establish an age-appropriate sex education grant program within the Department of Health. The Department, from amounts annually appropriated, will make grants to school districts, boards of cooperative educational services, school-based health centers, and community-based organizations with a proven history of success in reaching the adolescents of this state, to assist them in conducting a thorough and comprehensive education program aimed at preventing unwanted pregnancies and occurrences of sexually transmitted diseases among youth.

Summary of specific provisions

* Section 1 states the legislative intent of the bill.

*Section 2 states that this act shall be known and may cited as the Healthy Teens Act.

*Section 3 adds Article 14-A to the Public Health Law to enact the Age-:appropriate Sex Education Grant Program. Sectioned out in Article 14-A ate the following components: definitions; establishment and general components of the program; program awards; application for grants, and program plan; maintenance of effort; annual reports by grant recipients; notification to potential applicants; and regulations.

*Section 4 is a severability clause.

*Section 5 states the effective date of this act.

Justification

Over the past decade, teen pregnancy rates have declined nationwide, including in New York State. Unfortunately, New York State still reported nearly 40,000 teen pregnancies in 2004. In addition, rates of sexually transmitted diseases among teens remain dangerously high. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control, national rates of chlemydia and gonorrhea are highest among 15 to 24 year-olds. This is true in New York State as well. Moreover, specific communities in New York State claim some of the highest teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease rates in the country. It is evident that we face a public health crisis in New York State. We must support the creation of effective programs that provide information and skills to young people so they can become healthy adults.

The purpose of this bill is two-fold: to reduce both unintended pregnancies and occurrences of sexually transmitted diseases among New York's youth. It is statistically proven that intensive educational programs, with parent involvement where feasible and appropriate, will

enable young people to make responsible decisions regarding sexual activity, and encourage them to protect themselves and their partners.

Prior legislative history

New Bill

Fiscal implications

None noted.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to the school year which commences on or after July first in the year next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law, provided that the Commissioner of Health shall promulgate such regulations as shall be necessary to implement the provisions of this act not later than 90 days after such effective date.