STATEHOUSE (April 11, 2025) – The Indiana House passed legislation co-sponsored by State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) to safeguard parental rights in their child's upbringing, religious instruction, education, health care and more.
Commons said more parents are raising concerns about government placing unnecessary burdens on their fundamental rights to choose their child's education and health care, among other personal decisions. Currently, Indiana does not have a comprehensive legal framework that guarantees protection for parents from government intrusion. Senate Bill 143 would add protections ensuring parents retain the authority to make these decisions for their children, while also placing limits on any Indiana governmental entities' ability to interfere unless necessary.
"No school or government official should be telling parents how to raise their child or hide important information about their wellbeing from them," Commons said. "With this legislation, we are empowering parents to have control over these personal decisions and ensuring government officials can be held accountable if they overstep."
Additionally, the legislation prohibits government entities from advising, coercing or directing children to withhold information from their parents unless restricted by law or court order. Commons said parents would be able to sue the government for violating these rights and access relief like compensatory damages and reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
The amended Senate Bill 143 now heads to the governor for further consideration. To learn more, visit iga.in.gov.
-30-
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.
