Gross Votes in Favor of Parents' Bill of Rights

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives yesterday passed the Parents’ Bill of Rights, priority legislation for the 135th General Assembly, announced State Rep. Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester). Along with her “yes” vote, Gross is a co-sponsor.

The Parents’ Bill of Rights will protect the ability and authority of parents to direct the upbringing, education, health care, and mental health of their minor child.

"As your state representative, I believe parents should be informed about what their children are taught in school and informed about concerns they have at school,” said Gross. “This bill increases school transparency and gives additional support to parents in Ohio. House Bill 8 ultimately reinforces parents’ fundamental rights.”

Under this legislation, schools will be required to inform parents of any mental, emotional, or physical health-related changes in their child. The bill will also prohibit schools from encouraging students to hide these changes from their parents. 

Schools will also be required to provide sexually explicit content to parents for review, ensuring parental oversight. Parents will then have the right to remove their child from a class if they do not feel comfortable with the material being taught. 

The Parents’ Bill of Rights now heads to the Ohio Senate for consideration.