Ohio House Passes Priority Parents' Bill of Rights

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed the Parents’ Bill of Rights, announced joint sponsors, State Reps. D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) and Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton).

The Parents’ Bill of Rights, House Bill 8, is priority legislation that will protect the ability and authority of parents to direct the upbringing, education, health care, and mental health of their minor child.

“This important legislation acknowledges the fundamental role that parents play in the lives of their children,” said Swearingen. “We have a responsibility to support and protect the irreplaceable position that only parents can have in their kids’ lives.”

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

“It is critical that parents have a seat at the table when it comes to their children,” said Carruthers. “I am honored to have had the opportunity to spearhead this legislation that will join families with schools because that’s the best for everyone in a child’s life.”

Parents will also be ensured oversight regarding classes that are sexually explicit in subject matter. Schools will be required to provide sexually explicit content to parents for review. Parents will have the right to opt out and 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.