SF55 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Parent's Bill of Right Act

Related bill: HF172

AI Generated Summary

Senate SF No 55, known as the "Parents Bill of Rights," is legislation introduced in Minnesota to enhance and protect the rights of parents to manage the upbringing, education, and health care of their minor children, defined as individuals 17 years or younger. Key provisions under this bill include:

  1. Parents have the right to direct their child’s education, choose their school setting, and access all school-related records.
  2. Parents can decide the moral and religious training for their child.
  3. The bill outlines parental rights in health care decisions, allowing parents to choose health care providers and approve or decline specific medical treatments unless a medical emergency requires immediate action.
  4. Parents must consent in writing prior to any non-emergency physical or mental health examinations, pharmaceutical interventions, biometric scans, or recordings of their child.
  5. The state, its political subdivisions, or other governmental entities cannot store or share a minor’s DNA or blood records without parental consent, unless required by law or a court order.
  6. Parents have the right to be notified promptly if there is suspicion of a criminal offense committed against their child by someone other than a parent.

This bill also penalizes any attempt by state employees or institutions to discriminate against parents exercising these rights or to coerce a child to withhold information from their parents. Lastly, the bill clarifies that these rights do not permit parental actions that are abusive, neglectful, or life-ending as defined by state law, nor do they impede legitimate governmental actions within their authority.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
January 15, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
January 15, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety
February 19, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added