HALL MONITOR: “YES” on South Carolina’s Parents Bill of Rights

Name: South Carolina Senate Bill 743, the Parents Bill of Rights 

Summary: Establishes the fundamental rights of parents to direct the upbringing and care of their children, including in a school setting. 

Status: Referred to committee on Family and Veterans Services on April 19, 2023

Sponsor: Senator Josh Kimbrell 

Bill Breakdown: 

Senate Bill 743 would establish fundamental parental rights in South Carolina and ensure that information about a child’s health and wellbeing may not be withheld from the child’s parents. The bill would ensure that parents can access school lessons and their child’s school records, and make medical decisions for their children. 

The bill would require schools to adopt policies to encourage parental involvement in schools. This includes establishing a policy for parents to examine and opt their children out of certain instruction. 

Why does PDE Action support this bill? 

Parents, not schools, are the first and foremost caretakers of their children. Unfortunately, schools have increasingly sought to usurp this authority. Senate Bill 743 would establish fundamental parental rights in South Carolina, which is vital for protecting families and children, and encourage parental involvement and cooperation with their child’s school.