Sen. Justin Ready sponsors proposed bill to establish fundamental parents’ rights

State Sen. Justin Ready of Carroll County has co-sponsored a bill that would establish fundamental parents’ rights, including the right to direct a child’s education. Senate Bill 566 states that a parent has “the fundamental right to direct the upbringing, education, care, and welfare of the parent’s child,” and prohibits the state from infringing on that right unless the state “can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence certain factors.” The Senate bill has been cross-filed with House Bill 666, sponsored by Frederick County Republican Del. April Miller. The House bill has a hearing Wednesday with the Judiciary Committee; the Senate bill will be presented March 15.