HB 1384 Summary

• Establishes the "Parents' Bill of Rights" as law, protecting fundamental parental rights to direct upbringing, education, healthcare, and mental health decisions of minor children without governmental obstruction unless a compelling state interest of highest order is demonstrated.

• Reserves specific parental rights including access to school and medical records, consent authority over biometric scans and DNA records, notification of suspected crimes against the child, and ability to withdraw children from objectionable educational materials or curricula.

• Requires school districts to develop policies promoting parent involvement, including procedures for parents to review learning materials, opt out of sex education and certain curricula, and learn about school clubs and activities.

• Prohibits medical procedures, physical examinations, and prescription drugs for minors without written parental consent, except in medical emergencies; violations constitute misdemeanor offenses punishable by up to $1,000 fine or one year jail time.

• Requires written or oral parental consent before mental health evaluation or treatment of minors; mandates identity verification for telemedicine consent; exempts emergency mental health services.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2014.