Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2141

Introduced
1/29/25  

Caption

Requiring school districts to offer parents the opportunity to object to educational materials and activities that are not included in approved curriculum or standards or that impair a parent's beliefs, values or principles.

Impact

The impact of HB 2141 extends to establishing a formalized procedure within school districts for handling parental objections to educational content. It challenges existing educational norms by prioritizing parental authority over instructional materials, likely leading to significant changes in how schools curate and present educational resources. The bill's proponents argue that it will foster a more respectful environment for diverse parental values; however, critics express concern that it may lead to censorship of educational content and hinder comprehensive education that includes differing perspectives.

Summary

House Bill 2141 mandates that school districts in Kansas must adopt a policy that allows parents or guardians to object to educational materials and activities that are not part of the approved curriculum or that conflict with their sincerely held beliefs. The bill aims to empower parents to have more control over their children's educational experiences by enabling them to withdraw students from classes or activities without adversely affecting their academic records. If a withdrawal occurs, schools are required to provide an alternative assignment to ensure that the student can still receive credit for the course.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB 2141 is the balance between parental rights and academic freedom. Supporters claim that the legislation is an essential stride toward acknowledging diverse familial values in educational settings, while opponents worry it may enable excessive parental control that disrupts curriculum integrity. The bill opens the door for potential conflicts regarding what materials and activities schools may present, raising questions about how educators can navigate objections without compromising educational quality.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2236

Establishing parents' right to direct the education, upbringing and moral or religious training of their children including the right to object to harmful and inappropriate educational materials.

KS HB2248

Requiring school districts to adopt policies to ensure parents may review educational materials and records pertinent to their child.

KS HB2719

Extending the time that school districts may provide notice to parents of the administration of any nonacademic test, questionnaire, survey or examination and requiring school districts to contact parents if any such test, questionnaire, survey or examination indicates concerns.

KS HB2726

Requiring school districts to provide timely implementation of an individualized education program and advanced enrollment for certain children who are new to such school district.

KS HB2141

Requiring custodial and non-custodial parents to cooperate with child support enforcement programs for food assistance eligibility and disqualifying such parents from food assistance for being delinquent in support payments.

KS SB113

House Substitute for SB 113 by Committee on K-12 Education Budget - Making appropriations for the department of education for FY 23, FY 24 and FY 25; establishing the mental health intervention team program; authorizing certain students to participate in activities regulated by the Kansas state high school activities association; requiring school districts to post certain enrollment and academic information on school district websites; revising school district open-enrollment procedures; authorizing local school board members to receive compensation from their school district; authorizing current-year student enrollment for determinations of state foundation aid; continuing the 20 mill statewide tax levy for schools; amending the school districts that qualify for and the amount that school districts are able to levy pursuant to the cost-of-living weighting.

KS SB531

Creating a civil cause of action against schools that give or make available harmful material to minors and removing the affirmative defense to promotion to minors of material harmful to minors for public and nonpublic schools.

KS HB2650

Requiring each school district to establish an at-risk student accountability plan and to show academic improvement in certain student subgroups and students identified as eligible for at-risk programs, prohibiting the state board of education from revising the curriculum standards in English language arts and mathematics until 75% of all students achieve proficiency and requiring school districts to comply with all state laws and rules and regulations to maintain accreditation.

KS HB2356

Creating a presumption that joint legal custody and maximized parenting time in temporary parenting plans are in the best interests of a child and defining related terms under the Kansas family law code.

KS HB2012

Requiring offenders on probation, parole or postrelease supervision to complete a citizenship curriculum.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.