House Bill 985 - Parental Authority Act

• State and its subdivisions cannot infringe on parents' fundamental right to direct upbringing, education, health care, and mental health of their children unless the state demonstrates a compelling governmental interest that is narrowly tailored and not served by less restrictive means.

• Parents retain enumerated rights including directing education, accessing school and medical records, directing moral or religious training, consenting to biometric scans and DNA collection, and receiving advance notice before video or audio recordings of their child are made.

• School districts must develop policies promoting parental involvement that include procedures for parents to examine coursework, inspect learning materials, withdraw children from objectionable material or sexuality instruction, and learn about clubs and activities.

• No surgical procedures, physical examinations, or prescription drugs may be administered to minors without written parental consent, except in medical emergencies or when parent cannot be located; abortions governed separately.

• Mental health evaluations or treatment of minors requires written parental consent (or oral consent via telemedicine with identity verification), except in emergencies; violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to $1,000 fine and one year imprisonment.