Bill > HB618

This bill, the Maryland Parental Rights Act, establishes several new provisions to strengthen parental rights and involvement in public schools in Maryland. The key provisions include: 1. Requiring state and county school boards to allow at least 10 minutes of public testimony from parents and guardians at each public meeting. 2. Prohibiting schools from withholding any information about a student's health, wellbeing, or education from their parent or guardian. 3. Requiring county boards to develop policies that promote parental involvement, including procedures for parents to access curriculum materials, opt their child out of certain content, and learn about school clubs and activities. 4. Defining a "Parents' Bill of Rights" that outlines numerous parental rights, such as the right to direct their child's education, make healthcare decisions, and access school records. 5. Requiring county boards to provide parents with a written summary of their child's grade-level curriculum at the start of each school year. 6. Imposing penalties on healthcare providers who provide services to a minor without parental consent, except as otherwise provided by law. The overall goal of the bill is to enhance parental rights and ensure parents have greater access to information and decision-making authority regarding their child's education and healthcare.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0618?ys=2022RS