Bill > H3118

This bill establishes a comprehensive Parental Bill of Rights in South Carolina that significantly expands and protects parents' legal rights regarding their children's education, healthcare, and personal information. The legislation defines a parent as a biological, adoptive, or legal guardian and establishes that parents have fundamental rights that cannot be infringed upon by government entities, schools, or healthcare providers without meeting a strict legal standard. These rights include directing a child's education, accessing school and medical records, making healthcare decisions, consenting to biometric scans and recordings, and being promptly notified of any suspected abuse or criminal offenses involving their child. School districts will be required to develop detailed parental involvement policies that allow parents to learn about and opt out of certain educational activities, especially those related to sexual education or potentially controversial topics. Healthcare providers are now prohibited from providing services to children without written parental consent, with exceptions only for medical emergencies. The bill also raises the age at which a minor can independently consent to healthcare services from sixteen to eighteen years old. Parents who believe their rights have been violated can seek legal action, and if successful, can be awarded attorneys' fees. The law is designed to supersede any conflicting emergency declarations and emphasizes that parents have comprehensive rights in guiding their children's upbringing and welfare.

Education

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3118&session=126&summary=B