Skip to Main Content
Legislation Search

H.R. 650: Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act

This bill, titled the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act, seeks to solidify and protect the rights of parents to make decisions regarding the upbringing, education, and health care of their children, which it declares as fundamental rights. Below are key aspects of the bill in clear terms:

Findings of Congress

  • Parents have the primary responsibility to care for their children.
  • There is a natural right of parents to nurture and protect their children.
  • The role of parents in raising children is invaluable and should be praised and protected by the government.
  • Parents should direct the upbringing, education, and health care of their children based on their beliefs until the child reaches adulthood.
  • The bill discusses past Supreme Court rulings affirming the importance of parental rights in the upbringing of children.

Bill's Purpose

  • To affirm and protect the right of parents to direct their children’s upbringing.
  • To recognize that with these rights come responsibilities, particularly relating to education and nurturing.

Definitions Included in the Bill

The bill defines several key terms:

  • Government: Includes various levels of governmental authority across the U.S. territories.
  • Parent: Refers to biological, adoptive parents, or individuals with legal rights over a child.
  • Child: Defined as someone under 18 years of age.
  • Substantial Burden: Any action that significantly restricts a parent's ability to make decisions about their child’s upbringing.

Protection of Parental Rights

Key provisions under this section include:

  • The right of parents to direct their children’s education and moral upbringing is considered fundamental.
  • Government interference in these parental rights can only occur if there is a compelling government interest that meets the strictest standards.
  • Parents hold inalienable rights that go beyond those specifically listed in the bill.
  • Exceptions will occur when a parent’s actions would substantially harm their child.
  • Parents have the right to seek legal remedies in court if they believe their rights have been violated.

Judicial Proceedings

The bill allows for claims based on violations of parental rights to be raised in state or federal courts, increasing avenues for parents to seek justice against government overreach.

Attorneys' Fees

The bill includes provisions for amendments that will allow parents to recover attorneys' fees in legal actions under this act.

Applicability

This act will apply to all federal laws and is meant to provide broader protections for parental rights that are not limited by current statutes.

Relevant Companies

  • None found

This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.

Show More

Sponsors

18 bill sponsors

Actions

2 actions

Date Action
Jan. 23, 2025 Introduced in House
Jan. 23, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Corporate Lobbying

0 companies lobbying

None found.

* Note that there can be significant delays in lobbying disclosures, and our data may be incomplete.

Potentially Relevant Congressional Stock Trades

No relevant congressional stock trades found.