MS SB2896

Establishes parental liberty to direct upbringing, education, health care, and mental health of children as a fundamental right that cannot be substantially burdened by government without demonstrating a compelling governmental interest of the highest order and using the least restrictive means.

Grants parents exclusive rights including directing child's education (public, private, religious, or homeschool), accessing school and medical records, making healthcare decisions, and consenting to biometric scans, DNA records, and video/voice recordings by government entities.

Requires school boards to adopt policies ensuring parent involvement including procedures for parents to review educational materials, withdraw children from objectionable instruction (particularly sexual content and gender-related topics), and learn about clubs and extracurricular activities.

Mandates parental consent before medical providers perform surgical procedures, physical examinations, prescribe medications, or provide mental health evaluations on children, except in emergency situations or when a parent cannot be located after reasonable effort.

Allows parents to sue for violations of the act without exhausting administrative remedies, recover damages and attorney fees, and raises the act as a defense in any proceeding; waives sovereign and governmental immunities for liability created by the act; effective July 1, 2025.