The original instrument was prepared by Carla S. Roberts. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by
Cathy R. Wells.
DIGEST
Crowe (SB 312)
Proposed law establishes the "Parents' Bill of Rights for Public Schools".
Proposed law provides that the legislature finds:
(1)That parental involvement is a significant factor in increasing student achievement.
(2)That access to student information encourages greater parental involvement.
Proposed law provides that the parents of public school children shall have all of the following
rights:
(1)To examine the textbooks, curriculum and supplemental material used in their child's
classroom.
(2)Inspect their child's school records, including academic records, medical or health
records, records of any mental health counseling, or records of any vocational counseling.
(3)To be notified when medical services are being offered to their child, except where
emergency medical treatment is required. If emergency medical treatment is required, the
parent shall be notified as soon as practicable after the treatment is rendered.
(4)To be notified if a criminal action is deemed to have been committed against their child
or by their child.
(5)To be notified if enforcement personnel question their child, except in cases where the
parent has been accused of abusing or neglecting the child.
(6)To be notified if their child is taken or removed from the school campus without parental
permission.
(7)That the school shall not discriminate against their child based upon the sincerely held
religious beliefs of the child's family.
(8)To receive written notice and the option to opt their child out of any surveys that include
questions about the student's sexual experiences or attractions, family beliefs, morality,
religion, or political affiliations, and mental health or psychological problems of the
student or a family member. (9)To receive written notice and have the option to opt their child out of instruction on
topics associated with sexual activity.
Proposed law provides that notwithstanding anything to the contrary, a public school shall not be
required to release any records or information regarding a student's medical or health records or
mental health counseling records to a parent during the pendency of a investigation of child
abuse or neglect conducted by any law enforcement agency or the Department of Children and
Family Services where the parent is the target of the investigation, unless the parent has obtained
a court order.
Effective August 1, 2014.
(Adds R.S. 17:406.9)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Education to the original bill
1. Changes legislative findings.
2. Deletes parental right to examine lesson plans.
3. Requires parental notification if child commits a criminal action.
4. Requires parental notification if law enforcement questions a child, except in
cases of alleged parental abuse or neglect.
5. Requires parental notification if child is removed from campus without parental
consent.
6. Clarifies that parents can expect that family religious beliefs will be respected.
7. Clarifies provisions regarding student participation in certain surveys and
instruction related to sexual activity.
8. Provides that a school is not required to release student medical or health records
or information to a parent during a DCFS investigation of child abuse or neglect
without a court order.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill 1. Changes certain rights of parents of public school children.