HB8 enacts the “Parents’ Bill of Rights,” requiring public schools to ensure parental involvement and notification about sexuality content and health care services and adopt a policy authorizing students to attend a released time course in religious instruction.

The Senate passed HB8 on December 18, 2024, by a vote of 24 to 7. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because the upbringing, education, care, and control of children belongs to—and is a fundamental right of—parents, not the government. The State of Ohio has a duty to uphold the right of parents to protect their children from obscene, indecent, or profane activity. Parental rights are retained under the 9th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.