House lawmakers consider 'Parent's Bill of Rights'

The bill establishes what Rep. Dawn Gillman (R-Dassel), the bill sponsor, calls the “Parent's Bill of Rights,” by listing fundamental rights of parents and prohibiting any political subdivision of the state or any other governmental entity or institution granted authority to act on behalf of the state, from infringing upon those rights.

“We need to empower parents with resources to guide their children's upbringing and give them the seat at the table,” Gillman said. “This bill specifically names the rights to direct education — whether it be public, charter, private, or home education. Additionally, the bill directs the upbringing moral and religious training of a child and have informed consent on health care decisions. Transparency and accountability are pillars of good government, and this bill ensures you're doing just that. This bill does not create new rights but rather recognizes the rights parents already have.”

The House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee approved the bill, as amended, on a split-voice vote and moved it to the House Education Policy Committee.

While not necessarily against the bill, Rep. Jessica Hanson (DFL-Burnsville) questioned if it was ready to move forward.