From Education Committee meeting to take final action on bills - April 1, 2009 - discussion of bill H.B. No. 6488 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING HIGH SCHOOL REFORM. [NEW TITLE]  (transcribed from CT-N):

"Rep. Wood: I would like to offer an amendment to this House bill, that Chapter 164 of the General Statutes be amended to integrate
teen violence dating education into the health curriculum for middle and high school students.  School districts may obtain such curriculum freely from the "Safe Dates" Teen Violence Prevention Curriculum."

Note:  This amendment was withdrawn - the minutes describe the discussion as follows:  

"Rep. Wood proposed amendment A to add Teen Violence Education, seconded by Sen. Boucher.

Sen. Gaffey: Interpreted that schools could include that topic under section 10-16b (Health and Safety).of current statute.

Rep. Wood: That language not specific enough to address topic.

Sen. Stillman: Asked for an explanation of the “Safe Date” program.

Sen. Gaffey: Would oppose as written; costly mandate.

Sen. Wood: No cost; program comes from non-profit organization.

Alan Shepard from OFA: cost of researching and developing curriculum runs from $50K – $100K

Rep. Fleischmann: Amendment is well-intentioned; however, we don't allow non-profits to run programs in public education.

Sen. Gaffey: There is no money in budget or Appropriations.

Rep. Wood: Withdrew the amendment"

Note: At the end of the discussion various people indicated that they would be happy to considera modified amendment of this type in the future.