Rep. Hawkins seeks constitutional amendment to emphasize parental control over children's education

Representative Hawkins introduced RS 31,933 proposing a change to the state constitution to emphasize parental rights over children’s education outside the public school system. Hawkins framed the proposal as an update to existing constitutional language: "Parents are the primary control of their children, their education, their well‑being, and everything," Hawkins said, and argued the state should not presumptively assert control inside private homes.

Hawkins said the change would alter language in Article IX (Section 9 as discussed) to make explicit that the right of people to educate their children "by other means" shall not be infringed by government outside the public school system. Representative Mickelson asked whether the legislature has a responsibility to ensure children receive an education; Hawkins replied the state retains responsibility to provide a public education but should not step into parents’ homes to dictate how parents educate their own children.

The sponsor characterized the change as consistent with other Idaho law that recognizes parental rights and said Idaho has already moved in similar directions in several statutes. The committee voted to introduce RS 31,933 for further consideration.