FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 35

93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES DAVIS (Sponsor) AND EMERY (Co-sponsor).

         Pre-filed December 1, 2004 and copies ordered printed.

STEPHEN S. DAVIS, Chief Clerk

0180L.03I

AN ACT

To amend chapter 170, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to biology textbooks.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

            Section A. Chapter 170, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 170.032, to read as follows:

            170.032. All biology textbooks sold to the public schools of the state of Missouri shall have one or more chapters containing a critical analysis of origins. The chapters shall convey the distinction between data and testable theories of science and philosophical claims that are made in the name of science. Where topics are taught that may generate controversy, such as biological evolution, the curriculum should help students to understand the full range of scientific views that exist, why such topics may generate controversy, and how scientific discoveries can profoundly affect society.