Group sues to overturn rewrite of WA parental rights law

Parents and school board directors filed a lawsuit against Washington state to block House Bill 1296, asserting it violates their constitutional rights and parental authority over children's education. The lawsuit, lodged in Thurston County Superior Court, claims the law infringes on the free exercise of religion and parental rights to guide their children's upbringing without state interference. Signed by Governor Bob Ferguson, the legislation has become a focal point in the national conversation on gender inclusivity in schools. Critics argue that the law undermines Initiative 2081, which granted parents rights to review educational materials and access their children's medical records. The complaint highlights significant changes, including restrictions on parental access to school-based medical records and extended timelines for receiving school records.

Gabriel Galbraith, a Kennewick School Board member and plaintiff, criticized the law for promoting state interference in family matters. The lawsuit also challenges the law's adherence to federal privacy regulations under FERPA. If successful, the plaintiffs could influence future legislative measures regarding parental rights in education.