PRINTER'S NO. 1305
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No.
996
Session of
2022
INTRODUCED BY MASTRIANO, PHILLIPS-HILL, J. WARD AND BROOKS,
JANUARY 4, 2022
REFERRED TO STATE GOVERNMENT, JANUARY 4, 2022
AN ACT
Providing for parental rights protection.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Parental
Rights Protection Act.
Section 2. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Commonwealth agency." Any of the following:
(1) The Commonwealth, including the Executive Department
and its boards and commissions.
(2) An independent administrative department, board or
commission.
(3) A public official of an entity listed under
paragraph (1) or (2), acting under color of State law.
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"Non-Commonwealth agency." A political subdivision,
municipal authority or other local government instrumentality
authorized by law, or a public official of a political
subdivision, municipal authority or other local government
instrumentality acting under color of State law.
Section 3. Parental rights protected.
(a) General rule.--The liberty of a parent to direct the
upbringing, education, care and welfare of the parent's child is
a fundamental right.
(b) Infringement.--Neither a Commonwealth agency nor a non-
Commonwealth agency may infringe upon the right under subsection
(a) without demonstrating that the law or ordinance is narrowly
tailored to meet a compelling governmental interest by the least
restrictive means.
Section 4. Applicability.
This act shall apply to any State or local law or ordinance
whether statutory or otherwise and whether adopted or effective
prior to or after the effective date of this section. Any law
enacted by the General Assembly after the effective date of this
section shall be subject to this act unless the General Assembly
expressly excludes that law from this act by specific reference
to this act.
Section 5. Effective date.
This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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