Senate Communications Division
A measure that would codify in state law a parent’s fundamental right to direct the upbringing of their minor children unanimously passed out of the Senate on Tuesday.
House Bill 1384, by state Rep. Sally Kern, would create the “Parents’ Bill of Rights” and would reaffirm that the liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, health care and mental health of their children is a fundamental right.
“The Bible says that children are a gift from God, and it is the Legislature’s job to ensure that the protection and best interest of children always remains in the hands of parents to whom children are entrusted,” said Kern, R-Oklahoma City. “I am thankful that the Senate agrees with the House on this. I look forward to House Bill 1384 returning to the House so that it can then be sent on to the governor.”
According to Kern, House Bill 1384 affirms into law a right that has been traditionally understood and protected as fundamental. It ensures that the decisions related to the best interest of a child in areas like education and health care are left with the people who best know and understand the child: their parents.
While, the measure provides general protection for all parental rights, a number of specific rights are enumerated. For example, the measure prohibits medical personnel from providing any prescription drug to or performing any surgical procedures on minor children without prior consent from a parent or legal guardian, unless a physician has determined that the child’s life is in danger and reasonably diligent effort has been made to contact the parent.
The bill also protects the parent in the area of education. For example, the parent has the right to consent in writing before a biometric scan is made of a minor child. Likewise, parents have the right to opt out of any data collection instrument at the district level, except what is necessary for establishing a student’s public school record.
House Bill 1384 passed out of the Senate by a vote of 43-0 and now returns to the House for consideration of Senate amendments.
