Tennessee Senate Bill SB1873

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36 and Title 49, relative to parent's rights.

Impact

If enacted, SB1873 will amend the Tennessee Code Annotated to solidify parental rights against infringements from state or local governmental entities. This will require that any such entities demonstrate compelling state interests before interfering in the parent-child relationship. Supporters argue that it will safeguard parental authority against undue governmental intervention, providing a consistent mechanism for parent-child interactions regarding education and health-related matters.

Summary

Senate Bill 1873, known as the 'Tennessee Parents' Bill of Rights', seeks to enshrine the fundamental rights of parents in directing the upbringing, education, health care, and mental well-being of their children. The bill aims to provide parents with clear rights including the ability to access and review all school and medical records relating to their children. Furthermore, it establishes a legal framework ensuring parents are notified regarding significant information about their child's health and educational experience, especially while their child is under the care of local education agencies or charter schools.

Contention

Notably, SB1873 has sparked debate regarding its implications for local educational practices and the autonomy of educational institutions. Critics warn that the bill may lead to potential conflicts with local school policies that may not align with its sweeping parental rights. There are concerns that the bill could inhibit educational professionals from adequately addressing child welfare if they fear legal repercussions for informing parents about sensitive matters, or from fully engaging in their legal responsibilities in child safety scenarios. This contention highlights tensions between the need for parental involvement and the need for educational authorities to act in the best interests of children in diverse circumstances.