At a time when parents throughout the country are realizing their rights are in jeopardy, Arizona is setting the standard for how to protect those fundamental parental rights. Today’s party line House vote of 31-28-1 passing HB 2161, recognizes the need for such legislation as some schools and government entities are undermining the basic right of parents enshrined in Arizona law.

Our laws acknowledge the fundamental right of parents to raise their children, including the right to access educational and medical records. Healthcare entities should not withhold children’s medical records from their own parents.

Likewise, public schools cannot use surveys as an end run around parental rights – asking personal family questions of unsuspecting youth. Educators must provide parents access to student surveys and refrain from administering them without parental permission.

HB 2161 affirms these rights for parents and provides a way to hold schools, teachers, and healthcare providers accountable for violating parents’ rights.

Arizona parents can thank Representative Steve Kaiser for sponsoring the bill, and the other representatives who voted in favor of it.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.