If enacted, this bill would amend current statutes regarding parental rights by introducing specific requirements for compensatory damages and clarifying the scope of health care decision-making rights. Under the proposed changes, the existing language that allows parents to make health care decisions for their minor children would be expanded to explicitly include mental health care decisions. This addition aims to ensure that parents have comprehensive authority over all aspects of their children's health care.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that if a court awards compensatory damages for violations of the Parents' Bill of Rights, the total amount must be no less than $2,500 for each violation. This new requirement would be inserted into the existing legal framework, reinforcing the accountability of governmental entities or officials who interfere with parental rights. The current provisions regarding the conditions under which such interference is permissible would remain unchanged, but the new language would enhance the potential financial remedies available to parents whose rights have been violated.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 1-602
Senate Engrossed Version: 1-602