relating to the right to educate children.Providing that parents and guardians have a right to direct the education of their children.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Judy Aron and 3 co-sponsors

Establishes a constitutional right for parents to direct their children's education, shaping school policies, curricula, and options by empowering families.

Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0941h: MF RC 181-156 Lacking Necessary Three-Fifths Vote 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 112

Overview

CACR 24 is a constitutional amendment proposed to codify a right for parents and guardians to direct the education of their children. The measure is categorized as a constitutional amendment and is currently at the early stage of the legislative process.

Bill number: CACR 24

Title: Relating to the right to educate children; provides that parents and guardians have a right to direct the education of their children

Classification: Constitutional amendment

Introduced: December 1, 2025

Current status: To be introduced January 7, 2026, and referred to Education Policy and Administration

Purpose and Intent

The bill would affirm as a constitutional prerogative the authority of parents and guardians to direct their children's education. The core intent is to recognize parental involvement and decision-making in education at the constitutional level, potentially reinforcing the role of families in choosing educational settings and guiding curriculum and learning experiences.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the bill’s title and classification)

Establishment of a constitutional right for parents/guardians to direct their child’s education.

Clarification that this right is foundational, potentially shaping how schools, districts, and other educational providers engage with parents.

Note: The exact statutory language, definitions, limitations, and any exceptions are not provided in the summary and would appear in the bill’s text when introduced.

Who Would Be Affected

Parents and guardians: Primary beneficiaries, as the right to direct education would be constitutionally recognized.

Students: Would be indirectly affected through how educational options are exercised and how curricula, school choice, and related policies are implemented in practice.

Public schools, charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling arrangements: School policies and family engagement practices could be influenced by the recognized right.

Educators and school administrators: May need to align policies and communications with this constitutional right, within any other applicable state laws.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The measure is a constitutional amendment, which, if advanced, would typically require passage by the state legislature and then a statewide voter referendum.

Next steps (as indicated): After introduction on January 7, 2026 and referral to the Education Policy and Administration committee, the bill would proceed through committee consideration, potential amendments, and floor votes in both chambers, followed by a statewide vote if advanced successfully.

Effective date: Any constitutional change would take effect as provided by the amendment’s text and applicable constitutional rules, often contingent on voter approval and certification timing.

Notes for Readers

No specific implementation details (e.g., definitions of “direct,” scope of curriculum decisions, or enforcement mechanisms) are provided in the summary. The exact impact will depend on the final text of the amendment and any accompanying statutes.

As a constitutional amendment, passage requirements and potential legal interactions with existing education laws would be clarified as the bill progresses.

Bill