RICHMOND, Va. – The debate over sexually explicit materials in public schools went before a Virginia Senate committee Thursday.

Two bills were considered. Legislation to ban “divisive content” was defeated, while another bill requiring parental notice for sexually explicit material advanced.

Both bills are sponsored by Republicans and were considered by the  Senate Education and Health Committee, which is controlled by Democrats.

A “divisive concepts bill” backed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin died on a 9-4 vote. the legislation is designed to end the teaching of concepts labeled as “critical race theory” A transgender ban bill was also defeated on a 9-4 vote.

The Senate committee approved a bill that would require local school boards to notify parents about “sexually explicit materials” in the classroom. The measure does not specifically define “sexually explicit content.”

Gov. Youngkin’s first executive order after he took office on Jan. 15 ended the “use of so-called critical race theory” and other “divisive concepts” in Virginia public schools.