MS HB900

Prohibits the state and governmental entities from substantially burdening a parent's fundamental right to direct their child's upbringing, education, health care, and mental health unless justified by a compelling governmental interest of the highest order and using the least restrictive means.

Requires parental consent before any person or entity can perform surgical procedures, physical/medical examinations, prescribe medications, or provide mental health evaluations or treatment on a child, with exceptions for blanket prior consent, medical emergencies, or when child abuse is suspected.

Requires physicians and medical providers to provide parents with their child's medical information and records upon request and prohibits withholding such records from parents.

Allows parents to sue for violations of the Act and raise it as a defense in any judicial or administrative proceeding, with successful claimants eligible to recover declaratory relief, injunctive relief, compensatory damages, attorneys' fees, and costs.

Effective July 1, 2024; clarifies the Act does not authorize child abuse or neglect, does not apply to parental decisions ending life, does not govern abortion, and does not prohibit court-ordered actions.