MO HJR26

Submits to Missouri voters a constitutional amendment establishing that parents have a fundamental right to exercise exclusive control over care, custody, upbringing, discipline, education, religious instruction, health care, and general well-being of their minor children.

Grants parents the right to choose between public schools, private schools, or in-home education for their children.

Allows state and political subdivisions to modify parental rights only when parents are convicted of crimes against children, found guilty of child abuse/neglect/medical neglect by clear and convincing evidence, or through adoption, abandonment, mental incompetency, marital dissolution, or voluntary parental consent.

Preserves authority of law enforcement to protect children in emergency situations, juvenile courts to assume jurisdiction over delinquent minors, and courts to issue child protection orders and investigate abuse allegations.

Includes specific carve-outs preventing parents from compelling minors to undergo abortion and from enrolling children in public schools outside their residence area except as provided by law.