Virginia's family life education curriculum in public schools would include a component on the benefits of marriage under legislation sponsored by state Sen. Ralph Smith, R-Botetourt County.

Senate Bill 827 would require the family life education program to cover "the value and benefits of marriage for men, women, children, and communities" among other requirements. Smith touted his bill in a Wednesday news conference held by the General Assembly's "conservative caucus," a group of Republican lawmakers from the two houses.

Smith said teaching students about the benefits of marriage could save the state "hundreds of millions of dollars in expenses incurred by divorces and the fragmentation of families."

Smith said the cost estimates come from a 2008 study sponsored by the Institute for American Values, the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy and other groups. Among other things, the study assessed the impact that broken families have on social services, the criminal justice system and poverty rates.

Smith's bill, and an identical House measure (HB 1746) sponsored by Del. Brenda Pogge, R-York County, also are part of the Family Foundation of Virginia's legislative agenda.