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Congress·In Committee·H.R. 1416

Congress Proposes Requiring Written Parent Consent for Certain School Activities

Parental Oversight and Educational Transparency Act

about 1 year ago·View on Congress.gov
⏸

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

House
Senate
President
Law

Key Points

  • This bill, introduced by Ms. Hageman, would change federal law to require schools to get written permission from parents before students can participate in specific activities. Currently, schools often just have to notify parents, but this would make 'active consent' the requirement for these events.

    From policy text

    “receive written consent from such parent in order for such student to participate in such activity.”
    View in full text
  • Schools would have to send a direct notice to parents at least 14 days before the activity is scheduled to happen. If a parent does not sign and return the consent form, the student would not be allowed to take part in that specific activity.

    From policy text

    “not later than 14 days before the specific date during the school year on which an activity described in subparagraph (C) will occur, the local educational agency shall directly notify the parent of a student of such date and receive written consent from such parent in order for such student to participate in such activity.”
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  • The bill focuses on activities like surveys about private topics (such as religious or political beliefs), non-emergency physical exams, or the collection of student data for marketing purposes. It aims to ensure parents have the final say on these sensitive matters.
  • This would apply to local school districts that receive federal funding. It changes the current system from 'opt-out,' where students participate unless a parent objects, to an 'opt-in' system where a parent must proactively give their 'yes' in writing.

    From policy text

    “the local educational agency shall directly notify the parent of a student of such date and receive written consent from such parent in order for such student to participate in such activity.”
    View in full text
EducationCivil RightsData Privacy

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

Negative Impacts(1)
Federal Employee
Hurts

School administrators face new paperwork requirements to track consent forms and notify parents 14 days before each activity.

Mixed Impacts(1)
Student
Neutral

Students gain privacy protections but may miss activities if parents don't return consent forms on time.

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Feb 18, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Feb 18, 2025

Introduced in House

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Parental Oversight and Educational Transparency Act

Bill NumberHR 1416
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.