Bill > HB581

This bill, known as the Parental Rights in Education Act, aims to establish specific guidelines for school entities in Pennsylvania regarding classroom instruction and parental involvement in student health services. The bill prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity for students in kindergarten through fifth grade and requires schools to implement a parental notification procedure starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Schools must provide written notice to parents about health care services, health screenings, and surveys, and offer parents the option to withhold consent for their child's participation. The bill also restricts school employees from encouraging students to withhold health information from parents, prevents schools from blocking parental access to student records, and protects students who report violations from retaliation. Additionally, the bill allows students or parents to file a civil action within 180 days if they believe a school has violated these provisions, with potential injunctive relief or damages. The legislation emphasizes the fundamental right of parents to make decisions about their child's upbringing and well-being, and will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=581