West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia Senate Bill SB 412

Introduced
1/15/26  

Caption

Relating to required instruction in human growth and development

Summary

SB 412 is titled "Relating to required instruction in human growth and development." Based on the available bill metadata, the measure appears to address what schools must teach on human growth and development, likely within the state’s education curriculum. Because the bill text itself is not available in the provided materials, the specific grade levels, instructional requirements, and any exceptions or implementation details cannot be confirmed from this record alone. The bill was referred to the Senate Education Committee on January 15, 2026, indicating it is being considered as an education policy measure rather than a fiscal or criminal justice bill. The caption suggests it may involve curriculum standards, instructional content, or parental notification/opt-out issues related to health or sex education topics, but those details are not stated in the available text.

Impact

If enacted, SB 412 would likely amend West Virginia education law governing required classroom instruction, potentially affecting curriculum standards, school districts, teachers, and students. The bill could also influence how the state defines and delivers instruction on human development-related topics, with possible implications for instructional materials, teacher guidance, and compliance obligations for local boards of education. The exact statutory sections affected cannot be identified from the provided materials because the bill text was not included.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or vote record was provided, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition in the available materials. The bill’s referral to the Education Committee suggests it is still in the early stages of consideration. Based on the subject matter, the bill may attract interest from education stakeholders, parents, and advocacy groups, but the overall sentiment cannot be determined from the record provided.

Contention

The likely points of contention, based on the caption alone, would center on what content is required, at what grade levels it must be taught, and whether local school districts retain discretion over curriculum. If the bill addresses topics such as reproductive health, puberty, or sex education, disagreements may also arise over parental rights, age-appropriateness, and whether instruction should be mandatory or opt-in/opt-out. However, no specific contested provisions are visible in the materials provided.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV HB2150

Relating to human growth and development curriculum

WV SB94

Requiring course in public schools on human development

WV HB2677

To prohibit cell phone possession and usage by students during instructional time in grades K-12.

WV HB3260

Develop a new method to determine the minimum number of hours per day and per school year to be spent on instructional time.

WV SB54

Requiring age-appropriate instruction on Holocaust in public schools

WV SB912

Relating to student growth assessment program

WV HB2668

Requiring students in public high schools to complete a course of computer science instruction

WV SB180

Relating to teaching and instructing world languages in public schools

WV HB2071

Prohibiting public schools from requiring students to participate in sexual orientation instruction

WV SB423

Modifying appropriation requirements of certain economic development funds

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.