SB 359 (2008): updating the health curriculum requirements for public school students and requiring the state board of education to provide for procedures through which students may be excused from course requirements relating to health and sex education on religious grounds without penalty.

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“SB 359 (2008): updating the health curriculum requirements for public school students and requiring the state board of education to provide for procedures through which students may be excused from course requirements relating to health and sex education on religious grounds without penalty.” Granite Record, https://graniterecord.org/bill/2008/sb359. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
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Granite Record. (n.d.). SB 359 (2008): updating the health curriculum requirements for public school students and requiring the state board of education to provide for procedures through which students may be excused from course requirements relating to health and sex education on religious grounds without penalty. Retrieved 24 Oct. 2026, from https://graniterecord.org/bill/2008/sb359
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Granite Record. “SB 359 (2008): updating the health curriculum requirements for public school students and requiring the state board of education to provide for procedures through which students may be excused from course requirements relating to health and sex education on religious grounds without penalty.” Accessed 24 Oct. 2026. https://graniterecord.org/bill/2008/sb359.
BibTeX
@misc{bill-2008-sb359, title = {SB 359 (2008): updating the health curriculum requirements for public school students and requiring the state board of education to provide for procedures through which students may be excused from course requirements relating to health and sex education on religious grounds without penalty.}, howpublished = {Granite Record}, url = {https://graniterecord.org/bill/2008/sb359}, note = {Accessed 24 Oct. 2026} }

SB 359 (2008)

updating the health curriculum requirements for public school students and requiring the state board of education to provide for procedures through which students may be excused from course requirements relating to health and sex education on religious grounds without penalty.

  • Status: Signed into law
  • Term: 2007-2008
  • House committee: Education
  • Senate committee: Education
  • Subject: Education - General
  • Chapter law: 251

The Story

It was introduced on January 2, 2008 and referred to the Senate Education committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 29, 2008. The committee recommended that the Senate pass it with changes. The committee's amendment (0946) was adopted on a voice vote on March 13, 2008, changing the text of the bill. On March 13, 2008 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. It crossed to the House on March 19, 2008 and was referred to the House Education committee. The committee held a public hearing on April 8, 2008. The committee met in executive session on April 29, 2008 and May 6, 2008. The committee voted 13–3 to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 1664h). The committee's amendment (1664h) was adopted on a voice vote on May 14, 2008, changing the text of the bill. On May 14, 2008 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. On May 21, 2008 the Senate voted to agree to the other chamber's changes on a voice vote, on a motion by Sen. Estabrook. The bill was enrolled on June 5, 2008 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on June 30, 2008, making it Chapter 251 of the session laws.

Sponsors

Hearings and Sessions

  • January 29, 2008, 8:45 AM: hearing, Senate Education, SH 103
  • April 8, 2008, 10:00 AM: public hearing, House Education, LOB 207
  • April 29, 2008, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Education, LOB 207
  • May 6, 2008, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Education, LOB 207

Votes

  • March 13, 2008, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment{0946}(New Title} — voice vote, passed
  • May 14, 2008, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment #1664h — voice vote, passed
  • May 21, 2008, Senate: Concur with House Amendment{1664} — voice vote, passed

The Docket

  • January 2, 2008: Introduced and Referred to Education
  • January 29, 2008: Hearing; January 29, 2008, Room 103, State House, 8:45 a.m.; SC4
  • March 11, 2008: Committee Report; Ought to Pass with Amendment{0946}(New Title) [03/13/08]; SC10B, Pg.3
  • March 13, 2008: Committee Amendment{0946}(New Title), AA, VV
  • March 13, 2008: Ought to Pass with Amendment{0946}(New Title}, MA, VV; OT3rdg
  • March 13, 2008: Passed by Third Reading Resolution
  • March 19, 2008: Introduced and Referred to Education
  • April 8, 2008: Public Hearing: 4/8/2008 10:00 AM LOB 207
  • April 29, 2008: Executive Session: 4/29/2008 10:00 AM LOB 207
  • May 6, 2008: Continued Executive Session: 5/6/2008 10:00 AM LOB 207
  • May 6, 2008: Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #1664h for May 14 Reg (vote 13-3)
  • May 6, 2008: Proposed Committee Amendment #1664h
  • May 14, 2008: Amendment #1664h Adopted, VV
  • May 14, 2008: Ought to Pass with Amendment #1664h: MA VV
  • May 21, 2008: Sen. Estabrook Moved Concur with House Amendment{1664}, MA, VV
  • June 4, 2008: Enrolled
  • June 5, 2008: Enrolled
  • June 30, 2008: Signed by the Governor On 06/24/08; Eff. Date 08/23/08, Chapter 0251

Laws It Would Change

From the General Court