Challenge delays votes on sex education bill

AUGUSTA – A bill to promote sex education training for teachers awaited final legislative votes Monday as a co-sponsor questioned whether the final version was sent out of committee without adequate time for public review.

The bill, LD 603, directs the state human services commissioner to expand and enhance comprehensive family education services, with an emphasis on abstinence. It calls for training in such areas as contraception and sexually transmitted diseases.

Rep. Robert Daigle, R-Arundel, said Monday that the bill was sent to the House and Senate for votes before the public had enough time to examine the Health and Human Services Committee’s amendment.

Daigle asserted that legislative rules were violated because a senator was not present when a vote to amend the bill was held March 20. He asked that further action on the bill be delayed until an inquiry can be conducted.

An original bill had an annual cost of $750,000 a year, but the final version has no new cost.