This bill aims to establish a "Parents Bill of Rights" in West Virginia by adding a new article to the state code. It outlines fundamental rights for parents, including the liberty to direct their child's upbringing, education, and medical care. The bill emphasizes that parental rights to choose educational options—such as private, religious, or home schooling—are protected and cannot be infringed upon by the state or its agencies without demonstrating a compelling governmental interest. Additionally, it allows parents to sue for violations of these rights and seek various forms of relief, including monetary damages and injunctive relief.

The bill also clarifies its applicability to all state and local laws, rules, or ordinances, regardless of when they were enacted. It includes provisions that ensure the article does not protect actions that involve child abuse or neglect, nor does it grant parents rights to access restricted healthcare treatments for their children. Furthermore, it explicitly states that the article does not protect actions related to ending the life of any human being, born or unborn, referencing specific state laws related to these issues.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-11-1, 49-11-2, 49-11-3