Bill > SB299

This bill revises Montana laws to enhance parental rights and transparency in education by requiring school districts to adopt policies that provide parents with comprehensive access to information about their children's education and experiences. The legislation mandates that school boards develop policies ensuring parents have full access to their children's educational records, curricular and extracurricular activities, health information, and gender identity discussions. School districts must now provide at least 5 days' notice and obtain parental consent before presenting instruction or presentations related to gender roles, identity, expression, or sexual orientation. The bill establishes procedures for parents to withdraw their children from potentially objectionable instruction and creates a formal complaint process that requires school district superintendents to investigate and respond to parental concerns within 14 days. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, or county attorney to file suit against a school district for violations, and it reinforces parents' fundamental rights to direct their children's education, upbringing, and health care. The bill explicitly prohibits school employees from withholding information from parents or encouraging children to conceal information, and it provides mechanisms for parents to seek legal remedies if they believe their rights have been infringed upon, including the potential to recover attorney fees and costs.

Education

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2009