The Senate Education Committee voted to advance the Human Fetal Growth and Development Education Act after a sponsor said the measure incorporates previously requested amendments and aligns with Department of Education curriculum standards.

Under the bill, classroom instruction would include information on fertilization and each stage of prenatal development; the sponsor said the measure allows students, at an appropriate time in class, to view high‑definition ultrasound imagery showing early fetal structures including brain and heart development. The sponsor said the Department of Education and curriculum committee would determine which instructional resources meet the statute’s standards and that there is no regulatory rule promulgation required.

Committee members asked whether the State Board of Education would review or have veto authority over specific materials. The sponsor and other committee members stated the decision rests with the Department of Education’s curriculum committee and the department would consult the Department of Health, but the State Board would not separately promulgate rules or review each resource under the bill’s text.

After brief questions the committee performed a voice vote. The presiding member called for ayes and nays; the sponsor was told, “You passed your bill.”

Ending: The bill now moves out of committee; the text requires the department and its curriculum committee to assemble instructional resources consistent with state standards.