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The state Board of Education on Wednesday voted to toss out a proposal that would have required parental permission before students take a survey on health and risky behaviors.

The vote to postpone indefinitely comes after months of contentious discussions and because the survey is voluntary, parents did not need to provide active consent.

, asks students about their views on risky behaviors affecting health, including smoking, exercise and sex.

Currently, parents are provided notice in advance that their child will be given the survey, and parents are provided a chance to opt out.

Parents who supported the proposal argued they were not aware of the questions the survey asked and felt some were inappropriate and offensive. Republican board member Pam Mazanec led the proposal to have parents be required to expressly give permission before their kids are surveyed.

State health officials, district officials and other advocates argued that the change would increase administrative costs for conducting the survey. They worried it could lead to low participation rates and less information.

The vote, which came late Wednesday afternoon, took place without much discussion, other than asking the staff to clarify how the survey will continue to be conducted.

Earlier in the day, during public comment, an official from the state Department of Public Health told board members that discussions about the survey had led them to consider changes, including making sure the notes sent home to parents provide more information and make it more clear that the survey is voluntary and they can opt out.

Yesenia Robles: 303-954-1372, yrobles@denverpost.com or twitter.com/yeseniarobles