In 2024, the Washington State Legislature passed the Parents’ Bill of Rights, also known as Initiative 2081, which was backed by more than 454,000 Washington voters. This law, crucial for ensuring parents remain informed and engaged in their children’s education and well-being, is now under threat by a bill (Senate Bill 5181) that undermines the will of the voters and the legislative process. It also drives a wedge between parents and kids. Every parent should be worried about Democrats continuing to sponsor legislation based on the assumption that the parents are in the wrong for expressing their needs.
SB 5181 significantly weakens the parental rights law. If the bill becomes law, parents will lose their right to receive prior notification when non-emergency medical services are offered to their children at school. Additionally, schools would no longer be required to inform parents when arranging medical treatment that requires follow-up care beyond school hours. The bill also extends the amount of time schools would have to notify a parent when their child is attacked and injured at school, giving them up to 48 hours to do so. No parent should have to wait 48 hours to receive word that their child has been attacked. This is a blatant rollback of the transparency parents fought for and a direct breach of trust between schools and families.
Adding insult to injury, SB 5181 includes an emergency clause that prevents voters from filing a referendum to challenge the bill at the ballot box. The law would go into effect immediately. This is an attempt to silence Washingtonians, shut down public debate, and protect bad policy from being overturned by voters.
If this bill becomes law in its current form, it will alienate families, override parental authority, and undo the progress made just last year. Parents and guardians deserve a say in their children’s education and healthcare decisions, and it is unacceptable for the legislature to strip them of these rights.
We expect SB 5181 to be voted on on the Senate floor on Wednesday, Feb. 5. If it passes the Senate, it will go to the House of Representatives for consideration. If the House grants it a hearing, you can testify against it either in person or remotely. Once the date of such a hearing is confirmed, I will inform you so you can stand up and make your voice heard. Your engagement is crucial in this fight to protect parental rights.
Learn how to testify on a bill.
The Parental Rights Bill, SB 5181, was heard on the Senate floor on Feb. 05, 2025.
Sen. Keith Goehner on the Senate floor on the Parental Rights SB 5181 (WATCH)