Senate Committee Hears, Changes 'Erin's Law'

On Tuesday, the state’s Senate Education committee took up the “Alaska Safe Children’s Act”, also known as Erin’s Law. The committee is chaired by Senator Mike Dunleavy, whose district includes the Upper Valley.  The bill, which has bipartisan sponsorship, requires schools in the State of Alaska to provide age-appropriate education on sexual assault and dating violence.  That changed on Tuesday, when a committee substitute for the bill changed the wording.  Instead of saying that school districts “shall” develop the curriculum outlined, the new version says that districts “may” develop and teach it.

The new version also incorporates portions of three bills that were brought up during the legislature’s regular session, but did not make it through both chambers of the Legislature.  Some of the added provisions allow parents to opt their children out of a number of activities, including curriculum dealing with human reproduction and sexuality.

House Majority Leader Charisse Millett is the bill’s sponsor.  In a press release issued after Tuesday’s meeting, she says the new version of the bill, which quadrupled in length from three to twelve pages, is not as focused on its original goal of protecting children.  She also expressed concern about the opt-out provision for parents on the sexual assault and dating violence curriculum.  She says, “Keeping Alaska’s children safe should not be optional…”

The committee substitute was not passed out of committee.  Another hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.