Why WA Democrats are trying to repeal parts of a law they passed a year ago

Washington’s Democratic lawmakers are pushing forward with a promise they made last year to change a law they saw as problematic … but that they helped pass anyway. 

The law in question came from a voter initiative, commonly known as the Parents’ Bill of Rights. It was a Republican-led effort to increase parents’ ability to monitor their kids’ school records, including medical and mental health and counseling. 

Many were concerned that it erodes students’ privacy protections – especially for LGBTQ students. Last week, House Democrats advanced a bill that would amend some of the changes. It follows similar actions taken by Senate Democrats last month. 

Republican lawmakers are, unsurprisingly, unhappy about the moves. They say schools will be able to keep parents in the dark about serious issues with their children.

GUEST: 

Seattle Times reporter Sofia Schwarzwalder

RELATED LINKS: 

New initiative aims to shield WA Parents’ Bill of Rights from revision

WA Parents’ Bill of Rights advances out of House after heated debate