CO HB1236

Establishes a constitutional "Parent's Bill of Rights" protecting parental rights to direct upbringing, education, and health care of minor children (age 17 and younger) unless government demonstrates a compelling interest of the highest order that is narrowly tailored.

Grants parents specific rights including access to school and medical records, making health care decisions, consenting to biometric scans and DNA collection, consenting to photos/videos/recordings, and being notified if school employees suspect criminal offenses against their child.

Requires school districts, charter schools, and cooperative service boards to develop and adopt policies promoting parental involvement, including plans for parent-teacher cooperation and procedures for parents to learn about school choice, curriculum, attendance requirements, and data collection options.

Mandates parental consent (written or verbal, documented) before any surgical procedure on a minor, with exception if the minor is in custody of county human/social services or division of youth services.

Takes effect 90 days after legislative adjournment, unless a referendum petition is filed, in which case it requires voter approval at the November 2022 general election.