HALL MONITOR: “YES” to establishing parental rights as fundamental in Pennsylvania (HB 966)
PDE Action supports Pennsylvania HB 966, establishing fundamental parental rights.
Name: Pennsylvania Senate Bill 996,
Summary: Senate Bill 996 would have ensured that the right for parents to direct the upbringing, care, and education of their child is a fundamental right in Pennsylvania law.
Sponsors and Cosponsors: Senators Doug Mastriano, Michele Brooks, Kristin Phillips-Hill, and Judith Ward.
Breakdown: This simple bill states: “The liberty of a parent to direct the upbringing, education, care, and welfare of the parent’s child is a fundamental right.” The state may not infringe on this right “without demonstrating that the law or ordinance is narrowly tailored to meet a compelling governmental interest by the least restrictive means.”
This bill passed out of the State Senate Government Committee, but the senate ran out of time to bring the bill to a floor vote before the end of the 2021-2022 legislative session.
Why does PDE Action support this bill?
Parents, not the government, have the right to direct the care and upbringing of their children. PDE Action supported Pennsylvania Senate Bill 996 because it would codify parental rights in Pennsylvania. State entities, including schools, should not make decisions about a child without the knowledge or consent of able parents.