Committee backs amendment to constitutional parental‑rights measure after split debate

The House Education Committee voted to advance a proposed constitutional amendment on parental rights, CACR 24, after adopting a narrow amendment changing the bill’s operative verb from "violated" to "infringe." Chairman Noble opened the executive session on CACR 24 and recognized Representative McDonald, who moved the amendment and argued it made the constitutional protection stronger by capturing a broader set of official actions.

"A way to make that stronger is by putting that in the state constitution," Representative McDonald said, noting the amendment replaces the word "violated" with "infringe." She told colleagues the edit reflected public input and was the only change in the amendment.

Representative Murray opposed the motion, saying she could not support the measure ‘as amended’ because it raises questions about how school officials exercising in loco parentis would interact with the new constitutional language. "Even in the case of en loco parentis…parents are not giving up rights when they are entering into the school system," Murray said.

After limited further discussion, the amendment carried on a roll call of the committee: 10 yeas, 8 nays. The committee then moved the underlying measure to the next stage with the amendment attached.

Why it matters: The change tightens the proposed constitutional text at a time when lawmakers are debating how to balance parental authority with schools’ operational responsibilities. Supporters said the amendment clarifies protections for parental decision‑making; opponents warned it could complicate educators’ ability to act on safety and welfare concerns.

The committee did not take final action on placing CACR 24 before voters; the committee’s recommendation is the next procedural step toward possible floor consideration.