Committee approves amendment, refers 'Parental Bill of Rights' after heated testimony and close roll call

The Health Finance and Policy Committee on March 10 adopted an A5 amendment to House File 22, the so‑called Parental Bill of Rights, and then referred the bill to the Committee on State Government Finance and Policy after a roll call vote that passed 11‑10.

Representative Gilman, the bill author, described the measure as “the Parent Bill of Rights” and said the legislation “seeks to ensure the fundamental rights of parents … the intent of the bill is to love and support our kids while ensuring children receive the guidance and care they need at critical moments in their lives.” The A5 amendment, which the chair moved and the committee adopted, modifies when a parent can access a minor’s health records and requires providers to allow a parent to be in the examination room when a minor is receiving health services, while preserving statutory exceptions for emancipated minors or situations involving suspected abuse.

Several advocates testified in favor of House File 22. Matt Flanders of…