Bill
HB 2129
House Bill 2129 empowers West Virginia parents with rights over their children's education and health, ensuring access to vital information and legal protections.
Bill Number: HB 2129
Title: Creating the Parents Bill of Rights
Status: Chapter 50, Acts, Regular Session, 2025
Introduced: January 29, 2025
Subject: Education (K-12)
House Bill 2129, known as the "Parents Bill of Rights," aims to codify and clarify the fundamental rights of parents regarding the upbringing, education, and health care of their minor children in West Virginia. The bill establishes a legal framework that emphasizes parental authority and seeks to ensure that parents are not deprived of essential information about their children's welfare while they are in the custody of educational institutions.
The bill introduces a new article to the Code of West Virginia, which includes the following key provisions:
Short Title: The article is officially titled the "Parents’ Bill of Rights."
Legislative Findings: It recognizes the fundamental right of parents to direct their children's upbringing, education, and medical care. It asserts that important information regarding a child's health and education should not be withheld from parents.
Definitions: The term "parent" is defined to include natural or adoptive parents and legal guardians.
Infringement of Parental Rights: The bill prohibits any state or governmental entity from infringing on parental rights unless it can demonstrate that such actions are necessary to achieve a compelling state interest and are narrowly tailored.
Parental Rights: Parents are granted specific rights, including:
Legal Defense: Parents can raise this bill as a defense in court or administrative proceedings if their rights are violated. They may also seek injunctive relief against violations.
Applicability and Limitations: The bill applies to all state and local laws and does not authorize unlawful conduct or neglect. It clarifies that it does not protect actions that would end life or interfere with child welfare authorities acting within their legal scope.
The enactment of HB 2129 is expected to significantly affect parents, guardians, and educational institutions in West Virginia. It reinforces parental authority in educational and health-related decisions and ensures that parents have access to critical information about their children. The bill may also lead to increased legal actions from parents seeking to enforce their rights under this new framework.
This summary provides an overview of House Bill 2129, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on parental rights in West Virginia.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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