Senate amends ‘Parents Bill of Rights,’ sparking renewed controversy over parental control

Despite not receiving any Republican votes, Senate Democrats were able to pass House Bill 1296, which amends the “Parents’ Bill of Rights.”

Democrats argued HB 1296 creates and installs important safeguards for students while providing greater clarity to the already-existing “Parents’ Bill of Rights” law. But Republicans argued this guts and rewrites the voter-backed initiative that was passed into law last year, taking control away from parents and local school districts.

“It’s important that we ensure every student, and I mean every student, has access to a supportive environment and responsible environments,” Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Auburn, said, according to The Washington State Standard.

HB 1296 passed 30–19 in the Senate. It already passed in the House of Representatives, but because the Senate altered the bill, it goes back to the House before it can reach the governor’s desk.

“Today, Senate Democrats ignored the will of Washington voters and continued their assault on parental rights by passing House Bill 1296,” Senate Minority Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, wrote. “Not a single Republican supported this legislation—and for good reason.”

Amendments attempted from Democrats, Republicans

Republicans introduced seven amendments to add to the bill, including one that would have prevented the state from withholding funds for noncompliance. All seven amendments failed to advance.

“I’m disappointed that none of the amendments we offered were accepted,” Braun wrote. “We tried to keep it focused on things that would make it a better bill.”

Among the nine student rights outlined in the bill is the right to a safe and supportive learning environment, to have historically and scientifically accurate information in classrooms, and the ability to exercise constitutionally protected rights on campus. For parents, school districts have to “immediately” notify them if their child was the victim of a crime “occurring on school property during the school day by another student, a school employee or contractor, or any other individual.”

Amendments were adopted

Floor amendments that were added included protections for students from discrimination based on ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity, or those who lack citizenship status or are homeless. Neurodivergent students are also protected from discrimination.

For school districts not following state law, including HB 1296 if passed, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction could withhold 20% of a district’s state funds as a consequence. Republicans unsuccessfully tried to remove this from the bill.

School districts also cannot terminate, demote, suspend, or take any other negative action against a school employee for supporting students exercising their legal rights, or faculty for teaching about historically marginalized and underrepresented groups.

The bill would apply to public schools, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools, if passed.

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