Meet the new HB 1134

UPDATE: HB 1134 was not called for second reading on Feb. 28. 

The information below was current as of Feb. 23.

The Senate Committee on Education and Career Development accepted Amendment #34 to House Bill 1134 on Feb. 23.

Click here to see Amendment #34, which addresses concerns of teachers and maintains focus on parental involvement, curriculum transparency.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions with answers that reflect the way the bill would work in its current form. 

FAQ ON THE NEW HB 1134

Would this bill require teachers to post learning materials online before they can be used in the classroom?

No. The Senate's version of HB 1134 requires schools to give parents access to their learning management system (such as Canvas or Google Classroom) and gives parents the ability to inspect learning materials upon request, but materials need not be posted before they are used in the classroom.

Would this bill require teachers to post their lesson plans?

No. The Senate's version of HB 1134 specifies that lesson plans do not have to be posted by teachers. The definition of "learning materials" used in HB 1134 specifically exempts lesson plans. See page 2, lines 5-12 of the proposed amendment.

Would this bill prevent students in crisis from receiving mental or psychological health services?

No. The bill establishes a process for schools to give parents notice and the opportunity to opt out before a school begins providing ongoing, non-emergency mental/psychological health services. But this language specifically exempts students in crisis situations who need immediate treatment. The language also applies only to "ongoing or recurring" services, so one-time discussions between students and staff would not be hindered by the requirement to give parental notice.

Would this bill allow parents to opt their child out of any part of the child's curriculum?

No. The bill does not change current Indiana law regarding the types of curriculum that parents can opt their child in or out of. The language previously in the bill about parents using a portal to opt their child in or out of curricular materials has been removed.

Would this bill require schools to create curriculum advisory committees?

No. The Senate's version of HB 1134 gives local school boards the authority to decide whether or not to create a curriculum advisory committee.

If a school district creates a curriculum advisory committee, does the committee have to review all curricular materials before a teacher can use them in the classroom?

No. The bill allows each school district to set its own policies regarding which curricular materials will be reviewed by the committee, and when review must occur.

Does the bill include language about filing lawsuits against schools?

No. This language is removed by the amendment.

Would this bill prohibit teachers from teaching anything that makes a student feel uncomfortable?

No. The bill no longer contains any language about making students feel guilt or discomfort.

Would this bill restrict teachers' ability to condemn past atrocities committed by political regimes?

No. The bill no longer makes any changes to Indiana law regarding how teachers discuss political affiliations.

Does the bill include language making school libraries subject to the crime of disseminating material harmful to minors?

No. That topic is being considered in a separate bill.