BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – With only one opposing vote HB 2129, also known as the “Parents Bill of Rights”, passed the senate today.
It will return to the house to approve the amended bill which adds the word “state” in front of “institutions” in the first sentence of the §49-12-4 section. When the bill passed the house on March 7, 87 delegates were in favor, 9 opposed and 4 were absent.
The bill seeks to list out in law what legislators believe are the uninfringeable rights of parents in West Virginia. These rights fall under the categories of education, care, and medical care of minor children.
Relating to education, the bills says parents have the right to “direct” the education of their child, review and have access to all school records, and attend any type of schooling considered valid in the state of West Virginia.
Relating to health, parents have the right to make health care decisions “unless otherwise prohibited by law.”
Parents also are listed as having the right to “direct the upbringing and the moral or religious training” of their children.
If made law, the rights are considered “guaranteed” and will “not be denied or abridged on account of disability.”
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