The "Parental Rights Awareness Act" aims to enhance student welfare and parental involvement in education by establishing specific procedures for school districts regarding communication with parents about their children's health and well-being. The bill mandates that school districts notify parents of significant changes in their child's health care services and encourages open discussions between students and parents. It prohibits school personnel from adopting policies that would discourage parental notification or involvement in critical decisions affecting a child's mental, emotional, or physical health. Additionally, the bill outlines that health education on sexual orientation or gender identity should not be taught to students in kindergarten through grade 4 unless it is age-appropriate.

Furthermore, the act requires school districts to provide parents with information about health care services at the beginning of each school year and to obtain parental consent before administering health screenings to younger students. It also establishes a process for parents to raise concerns regarding their child's school, ensuring that these concerns are addressed within a specified timeframe. The Department of Education is tasked with reviewing and updating relevant counseling frameworks and standards by June 30, 2024, to align with the new requirements set forth in this legislation.