MS HB1080

Establishes parental fundamental right to direct the upbringing, education, health care, and mental health of their child without substantial state or governmental burden, except to further a compelling governmental interest of the highest order using the least restrictive means.

Requires consent from a parent before any person or entity may perform surgical procedures, physical or medical examinations, prescribe medications, or conduct mental health evaluations or treatment on a child, with exceptions for blanket prior consent, medical emergencies, or suspected child abuse.

Permits physicians and medical providers to provide parents with their child's medical information and records upon request, prohibiting withholding of medical information from parents.

Allows parents to sue for violations of the act and recover declaratory relief, injunctive relief, compensatory damages, reasonable attorney's fees and costs; governmental entities must indemnify employees for liability unless the employee was convicted of a criminal violation related to the conduct.

Does not authorize child abuse or neglect, does not apply to life-ending decisions or abortions, and does not prohibit court-ordered actions otherwise permitted by law; takes effect July 1, 2025.