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Bill

HJR 155

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing a parent's right to direct a child's education.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Terri Leo-Wilson and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes in the state constitution a parent's right to direct a child's education, shaping curricula, schooling choices, and parental authority.

Referred to Public Education
#education--primary&secondary--general(i0230) #family--parent&child(i0355) #parentalrights(s0095) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661)
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Bill Summary · HJR 155

Summary: HJR 155 — Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing a parent's right to direct a child's education

Overview

HJR 155 is a joint resolution that would amend the state constitution to establish a parent’s right to direct a child’s education. The bill is categorized as a constitutional measure, meaning its ultimate effect would be to modify constitutional text pending voter approval. The companion bill in the Senate is SJR 12.

  • Bill number: HJR 155
  • Title: Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing a parent's right to direct a child's education
  • Status: Referred to Public Education
  • Introduced: February 24, 2025
  • Classification: Joint resolution
  • Related bill: SJR 12 (companion)

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to recognize and codify in the state constitution a parent’s authority to direct their child’s education. While the precise wording of the amendment is not provided here, the intended effect is to create a constitutional basis for parental decision-making in educational matters, potentially affecting how curricula, instructional methods, school choice, and related educational decisions are approached in practice.

Key provisions (as available)

  • Establishment of a parent’s right to direct a child’s education as a constitutional principle.
  • The exact scope, limits, and enforcement mechanisms are defined in the proposed constitutional text and would be clarified in the bill’s full language and any accompanying implementing provisions.
  • Being a constitutional amendment, it would require passage by the Legislature followed by voter approval to take effect.

Note: Specific provisions such as therapeutic exemptions, exceptions for public vs. private schooling, or procedural remedies are not listed in the provided summary. The actual text would detail any such scope and limitations.

Affected parties and sectors

  • Parents and guardians: Primary actors whose rights would be recognized and protected.
  • Students: Beneficiaries of parental directions in education.
  • Public and private schools, school districts, and teachers: Entities and professionals whose roles may be affected by the recognized parental authority.
  • State education agencies and policymakers: Responsible for interpreting, implementing, and aligning policies with the constitutional amendment.

Procedural timeline and status

  • Filed: February 24, 2025
  • Read first time: March 24, 2025
  • Referred to: Public Education (committee stage)
  • Next steps: The bill would typically proceed to committee hearings for discussion, potential amendments, and a vote within the committee. If advanced, it would move to the full chamber for consideration, and, if approved, to the other legislative chamber and ultimately to voters in a statewide election for ratification.

Relationship to related bills

  • SJR 12 (companion): Senate counterpart closely aligned in text and purpose, intended to achieve the same constitutional change through the Senate.

Potential implications to monitor

  • How the amendment defines “direct a child’s education” and the scope of parental authority.
  • Interaction with existing state education policies, curriculum standards, and school governance.
  • Implications for public school operations, parental consent requirements, and student rights.
  • Timeline to voter referendum and potential statewide vote outcomes.

For readers seeking deeper understanding, reviewing the full text of HJR 155 (and the companion SJR 12) when available will clarify the exact constitutional language, scope, and any specified limitations or remedies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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