Time to regroup because this session still has a lot left.
One: Thank you to all who spoke up against S897. Your voice is key to stopping these terrible bills. But please, do not disconnect, because there are a lot of other terrible bills still in play.
Two: Following legislative sessions can be tricky and overwhelming. But when more people stay connected and pay attention together, it becomes less overwhelming and more like what civic involvement should be in the first place, part of normal life.
Three: There are a few great resources that help explain what is happening, and we will list those at the end of this post.
Four: We want to thank everyone who has helped this group grow. We are glad to see more people joining. If you are inviting others into the group, please remind them to answer the questions so we can approve them.
Five: If you are sharing a post in this group, please clarify the purpose as it relates to parental rights, which does not necessarily have to mean parental rights directly. It can be anything impacting parental rights, but please explain your post. Please also be mindful of overposting. Too many repeated posts can wear people out and create overload. If something has already been shared, there is no need to post it again. And when you do share something, give context so people understand the purpose.
Six: A few other legislative actions we encourage you to watch, because several bad bills are still moving.
To name a few:
- H.4197, the Parental Bill of Rights, remains a serious concern. If you have questions about why, please check the resources or ask here. We have followed that bill for a long time, and we understand why codifying parental rights in this kind of framework can work against the protection of those rights.
- S.692. That bill is related to the ESTF program, which, let’s clarify, is the government-funded school choice program. That bill is proposing to close a loophole that S.62 created. And the loophole relates to homeschoolers using ESTF funds. Now, before anyone jumps to conclusions, part of the intent of this bill is to regulate homeschoolers who are using the ESTF funds. That effort will impact all homeschoolers, whether they accept the money or not.
- S.710. That bill proposes to add language requiring a person responsible for a child to consent to prescriptions for children under the age of 16.
CTA: Those are a few bills that are affecting parental rights. Please take the time to research them. If you oppose any of them, contact your representative to express your opposition.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ve been closely monitoring these bills, and we’re more than happy to provide any information or answer any questions you may have.
Last: This is hard work. Tracking bills, amendments, changes, and twists and turns is a challenging task. However, it’s crucial to do so because it empowers you with information and enables you to comprehend the language used in the bill. The intent behind the bill is not relevant. What truly matters is the language of the bill and its eventual codification. We genuinely strive to present the information in an understandable manner, but the most effective way to grasp the intricacies of the bill and when it plans to be put into law is to remain connected.
Thank you all for all your efforts. Stay connected.