Parental Rights in the States: Key Bills to Watch
Across the country, state legislatures are actively considering bills that affect parental rights. Below is a quick overview of a few key developments, with updates on where each bill stands and what it means for families.
Protecting Parental Rights
Ohio – Senate Bill 277 (Reasonable Childhood Independence Act)
Status: Hearing scheduled for March 25 in the Senate Judiciary Committee
This bill would clarify that allowing children reasonable independence is not neglect. It ensures that parents can make everyday decisions based on their child’s age and maturity without fear of CPS intervention.
Examples of protected activities include riding a bike to school, walking to a nearby park, or playing outside without constant adult supervision.
Twelve states have already adopted similar protections, including Indiana earlier this year. This bill would bring Ohio in line with those efforts.
New Hampshire – House Bill 1268
Status: Passed the House, moving to the Senate
This bill reduces regulatory requirements on homeschooling families, including eliminating the detailed “notice of intent.”
If enacted, New Hampshire would become one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country. The bill affirms that parents, not the government, are best positioned to direct their children’s education.
Alabama – House Bill 148 (Parental Rights Amendment)
Status: Passed House Judiciary Committee
This proposed constitutional amendment would allow Alabama voters to decide whether to explicitly protect parental rights in the state constitution.
If approved by both the legislature and voters, Alabama would become the second state after Texas to enshrine parental rights at the constitutional level. The Parental Rights Foundation supports this effort.
Threats to Parental Rights
Connecticut – House Bill 5468
Status: Under consideration
This bill would require schools to notify the Department of Children and Families whenever a child is withdrawn for private schooling or homeschooling.
While proponents claim this would only flag existing cases, the practical effect is to treat all families as suspect and expose homeschooling families to the potential trauma of an investigation.
Hundreds of families recently gathered at the state capitol to oppose the bill. Our allies at the Home School Legal Defense Association are actively leading efforts against it, with our full support.
Minnesota – Multiple Vaccine-Related Bills
Status: Under consideration
Several bills in Minnesota would significantly restrict parental authority over medical decisions:
- SF 4017: Requires parents seeking a vaccine exemption to complete a state-mandated session and obtain physician approval
- SF 4458: Eliminates conscientious exemptions for all vaccines
Together, these measures would shift decision-making authority away from parents and limit their ability to make individualized medical choices for their children.
The Parental Rights Foundation opposes these bills and maintains that such decisions should remain with parents, who know their children best.
What you Can Do
If you live in one of these states, stay alert for opportunities to take action. Timely engagement can help advance good legislation and stop policies that undermine parental rights.
Thank you for standing with us as we work to protect children by empowering parents nationwide.