Ohio Senate Passes Bill Reinforcing Parents' Rights

COLUMBUS-The Ohio Senate passed House Bill 8, the Parents' Bill of Rights, with the support of State Senator Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester).

House Bill 8 reinforces parents' fundamental ability to be involved in their children's education. It requires public schools to adopt a policy on parental notification on student academic, mental, and physical health and well-being, and instructional materials with sexuality content. The legislation also includes a provision championed by Reynolds that requires school districts to adopt policies allowing students to be excused from school to attend a released time course in religious instruction.

"I am proud to stand for our families by supporting this important measure that prioritizes character development and the influence of our parents in their children's lives," Reynolds said. "Parents deserve to know what is happening in the classroom and help direct their children's educations. This legislation solidifies this common sense policy in our schools."

House Bill 8 now goes back to the Ohio House of Representatives for a concurrence vote.