Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The state Senate is starting to take up legislation for a full vote. Today, Senate Democrats are bringing a bill that all parents should be concerned about.
Senate Bill 5181 undoes too many important protections created by Initiative 2081, known as the Parents’ Bill of Rights. I voted FOR the initiative to the Legislature to empower parents.
The proposal also contains an emergency clause, which would eliminate the constitutional right of voters to challenge the bill through a referendum. It would remove parents’ right to know medical information, including:
- Prior notification when medical services are offered (except in emergencies).
- Notification when medical services or medication could impact health insurance.
- Notification when school-arranged medical treatment results in follow-up care.
Eliminating parental notification about medical services, even non-emergency ones, is a serious overreach. Parents have a right to be informed about any medical interactions their children have at school, especially those that could violate their religious beliefs, cause permanent harm to their child, have financial implications or require follow-up care.
I think this is a step in the wrong direction for families. The state does not belong in the middle of the parent-child relationship.
You can read the full text of the bill by clicking here.
Watch the debate on TVW
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When Senate Democrats vote to pass SB 5181, it will move to the House of Representatives for consideration. You can contact the Speaker of the House and the chair of the House Education Committee to speak out against the proposal and continuing effort to position the state in between parents and their children.