Parents rights legislation from Senate Education Vice Chairman Toews (R-Coeur d’Alene) was approved by the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday afternoon.
Senate Bill 1099, called the protection of Pupil and Parental Rights Act,” would allow parents to inspect all teaching materials and prohibit districts from administering surveys such as school climate survey without parent permission. The legislation awaits action by the full Idaho Senate.
“This bill protects students and families from intrusion into personal and private matters by the government and additionally provides transparency to parents regarding activities within schools,” reads the bill’s statement of purpose.
Sen. Toews is co-sponsor of another parents rights bill, House Bill 163, along with Rep. Judy Boyle (R-Midvale), that is also endorsed by state superintendent Debbie Critchfield and has broad support among lawmakers. House Bill 163 was approved by the House on a 67-3 vote last week and awaits its first hearing in the Senate Education Committee.