SB 596
Relating to parents' Bill of Rights
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, titled the "Parents’ Bill of Rights," aims to formally establish and codify the rights of parents in West Virginia. It guarantees parents the fundamental right to direct their children’s upbringing, education, and medical care, including the option to choose private, religious, or home schools. Parents also have the right to make reasonable choices for their children within public schools. The bill allows parents to sue the state or related entities for violations of these rights and provides a framework for interpreting existing laws in light of these new protections.
Key provisions
- Guarantees parents the right to direct their child’s upbringing, education, and medical care.
- Allows parents to choose private, religious, or home schools as an alternative to public education.
- Establishes a process for parents to sue the state for violations of their rights.
- Defines a ‘compelling interest’ standard for government actions that may infringe upon parental rights.
- Applies to state and local laws, rules, and ordinances.
- States that laws adopted after the bill’s enactment are subject to the Parents’ Bill of Rights unless explicitly excluded.
- Specifically excludes protections for actions related to child abuse, neglect, or ending a human life.
Who is affected
- Parents in West Virginia
- Children in West Virginia
- Public schools in West Virginia
- State government agencies
- Local government entities
Notable changes
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