House Bill 509 - Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act of 2023

• Establishes parental liberty to direct upbringing, education, health care, and mental health of children as a fundamental right that cannot be substantially burdened by the state without demonstrating a compelling governmental interest.

• Requires school districts to adopt policies promoting parental involvement including curriculum review rights (7 days before class starts), 3-day advance notice for gender/sexuality instruction, and opt-out procedures for objectionable material.

• Prohibits state and school employees (except law enforcement) from encouraging children to withhold information from parents or withholding health-related information from parents.

• Requires parental written consent before medical/mental health procedures, surgeries, medications, or mental health evaluations on children, with exceptions only for emergencies when death or imminent injury could result.

• Creates a private cause of action for violations with remedies including declaratory relief, injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and attorney fees; waives sovereign and governmental immunities for liability under this act.