Bill > S0651

This bill establishes the Office of Parental Rights within the Governor's Executive Office to protect and investigate potential violations of parents' fundamental rights regarding their minor children. The bill defines a "parent" as a natural, adoptive parent, or legal guardian and creates a comprehensive framework for safeguarding parental rights. Under this legislation, the state and its political subdivisions cannot infringe on a parent's rights to direct their child's education, healthcare, upbringing, and moral or religious training without demonstrating a compelling state interest and using the least restrictive means possible. The Office of Parental Rights will have the authority to investigate parent complaints about potential rights violations, with the power to take depositions, issue subpoenas, and order remedial actions if a violation is found. The bill specifically protects parents' rights to access school and healthcare records, make healthcare decisions, and provide moral and religious guidance, while also explicitly stating that these protections do not authorize child abuse, illegal conduct, or interfere with legitimate child welfare actions by courts or law enforcement. Parents can file verified complaints with the office, which will then determine whether an investigation is warranted, and the office's final actions will be subject to judicial review.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0651&session=126&summary=B