STATEHOUSE (May 29, 2025) – Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law legislation co-sponsored by State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) safeguarding parental rights in their child's upbringing, religious instruction, education, health care and more.
With rising concerns of government intrusion on a parent's right to choose their children's education, health care and overall childhood experience, Commons said Senate Enrolled Act 143 adds needed protections to ensure parents retain the authority to make these decisions for their children, while also placing limits on Indiana governmental entities' ability to interfere unless necessary.
"As parents, we need to be the decision maker when it comes to the best interest of our children," Commons said. "This new law will protect a parent's right to raise their children without a school or government entity needlessly interfering."
Under this law, government entities such as school districts and agencies are prohibited from advising, coercing or directing children to withhold information from their parents unless restricted by law or court order.
For more information on Senate Enrolled Act 143, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) represents House District 13,
which includes all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of
Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signs into law a bill co-sponsored by State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) to safeguard parental rights in Indiana schools on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Pictured are (from left) Ryan McCann, Executive Director of the Indiana Family Institute, Commons, Braun, law co-authors State Sens. Scott Alexander (R-Muncie) and Brett Clark (R-Avon), and Josh Hershberger, Director of the Church Ambassador Network and General Counsel for the Indiana Family Institute.
