Ohio lawmakers are racing against the clock to pass the controversial “Parents Bill of Rights” before the end of the legislative session. House Bill 8, which would give parents more control over their children’s education and health information, has been a top priority for GOP leaders in the statehouse.
Under the proposed bill, parents would have the right to be notified of and remove their children from any classroom content related to sexuality. School personnel would also be required to disclose significant changes in a student’s physical or mental health, such as seeking counseling.
The bill has faced opposition from LGBTQ advocates and social work professionals who say it could potentially out students and create undue burdens on educators. Despite these concerns, House Speaker Jason Stephens and Senate President Matt Huffman are determined to push the bill through before the end of the year.
If the Senate passes the bill before the legislative session ends, it will head back to the House for a concurrence vote on amendments made earlier in the year. If not, the bill would have to be reintroduced in the next session. This version of the bill has made more progress than a similar one that stalled in 2022.
With time running out, Ohio lawmakers are working diligently to pass the “Parents Bill of Rights” and send it to Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk for approval. The outcome of this legislation could have significant implications for parents, students, and educators in the state.
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