SB135 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul Sanford

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Parental right, to make decisions regarding child's education, upbringing, and care

Summary

SB135 would declare that a parent's right to direct their child's upbringing, education, and care is fundamental and restrict government action that infrings on that right unless the government shows a very strong public interest.

What This Bill Does

If passed, it would formally recognize parental upbringing, education, and care as a fundamental right. It would bar the state, agencies, or localities from infringing on this right unless they demonstrate that their governmental interest is of the highest order. It also states the bill is intended to codify existing court precedents and sets when the law would take effect after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Parents/guardians of children in Alabama — would gain a protected fundamental right to direct their child's upbringing, education, and care.
• State agencies and local governments (including schools and other authorities) — would be constrained in infringing on parental rights and must show the government interest is the highest order.

Key Provisions

• Declares the liberty of a parent to direct the upbringing, education, and care of the child a fundamental right.
• Prohibits the state, any agency, or locality from infringing this right without demonstrating that its governmental interest is of the highest order and not otherwise served.
• States the Legislature's intent to codify Ex parte E.R.G. (and related US Supreme Court parental-right precedents).
• Sets the act to take effect on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Parental Rights