PRIORITY
WFA CATEGORY:
Family Values
TOPIC:
Parental Rights
STATUS:
House COW: Passed 2/4/25
SCHEDULE:
No Meetings or Sessions Currently Scheduled
SPONSOR(S):
CO-SPONSOR(S):
Representative(s) Marlene Brady, Joel Guggenmos, Jeremy Haroldson, Scott Heiner, Steve Johnson, Ann Lucas, Mike Schmid, Tomi Strock
Senator(s) Brian Boner, Laura Pearson
LEGISLATOR CONTACT INFO:
Click the names of Sponsors and Co-Sponsors above to see their details and contact information.
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR:
Click this link to contact your local legislator; TELL THEM TO VOTE YES ON HB0200
SUMMARY:
AN ACT relating to education; clarifying procedures and requirements for school districts to provide parents notice of information regarding students; requiring school districts to publish and make materials available to parents; prohibiting school districts from requiring school district personnel and students to use a student’s preferred pronoun if the pronoun does not align with the student’s biological sex; requiring parental or guardian permission before instruction relating to diversity, equity or inclusion; authorizing school district personnel to opt out of mandatory trainings as specified; specifying disciplinary measures; providing for a cause of action; providing for a civil penalty; providing definitions; requiring reporting; and providing for an effective date.
View Full Text of the Bill: https://wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/HB0200
WFA COMMENTARY & UPDATES:
HB0200 Parent Rights-Amendments
A Partnership Protecting Both Parent Rights AND Educational Excellence,
Addressing Common Concerns About Teaching Flexibility
What The Bill Requires:
• Basic curriculum information at the start of each school year
• Updates when curriculum changes occur during the year
• One-day advance notice for specific types of instruction (sexual orientation, gender identity, or DEI content)
• Five-day notice for assemblies, extracurricular activities, or guest speakers
How Updates Work Under the Bill:
• Schools maintain ability to modify curriculum
• Must communicate changes to parents
• No specified waiting period for most curriculum updates
• Simple notification process for most changes
Key Points:
The bill focuses on keeping parents informed, not restricting teaching. Most curriculum changes just require notification, not pre-approval. Only specific topics require advance permission.
The Bill’s Communication Requirements:
• Regular updates about students
• Access to materials being used
• Publication of policies and procedures
• 30-day window to post policy updates
• Annual reporting of concerns and resolutions
This immensely important legislation strengthens the partnership between Wyoming families and schools by clearly defining rights, responsibilities, and proper roles in education. The bill creates a flexible framework that balances parental oversight with practical teaching needs.
Primary Rights and Responsibilities of Parents:
• Parents are the ultimate decision-makers for their children’s upbringing and moral development
• They hold the fundamental right and responsibility to guide their children’s education
• Parents must actively engage with schools, review materials, and make informed decisions
• They are responsible for monitoring their child’s wellbeing across all aspects of education
• Parents must respond to notifications and actively participate in educational choices
Essential Role of Schools:
• Schools serve as educational partners, not primary decision-makers
• They must maintain transparency in all educational activities and materials
• Schools provide initial curriculum plans with flexibility to adapt throughout the year
• They must communicate curriculum updates and changes to parents
• Schools provide the educational framework while respecting parental authority
• Schools must operate within clear boundaries that respect family values and parental rights
The Partnership Framework:
• Creates clear lanes of authority and responsibility for both parties
• Establishes parents as the primary guardians of their children’s overall development
• Positions schools as professional educators working under parental oversight
• Allows for dynamic, responsive teaching while maintaining transparency
• Ensures accountability through defined processes and legal protections
SIMILAR BILLS:
Click the link(s) below to see bills with similar objectives:
