Lycoming News

HARRISBURG – Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) guided legislation to expand parental rights in Pennsylvania schools to final passage in the Senate this week as the chairman of the Senate Education Committee.

“Too many parents feel they have been cut out of the classroom,” Argall said. “Broadening the rights of parents to decide how their children are educated has been a key focus of the Senate Education Committee.”

The Senate approved Senate Bill 913, sponsored by Sen. Wayne Langerholc (R-35), by a vote of 28-21. The bill requires parental consent for students under 18 years of age to receive virtual mental health services while at school. Argall said that many parents expressed serious concerns to him about the materials their children can freely access in public schools without their knowledge.

“It is important to provide resources so students can get the help they need, but parents must be involved every step of the way,” said Argall.

The Senate also approved legislation by a strongly bipartisan vote of 47-3 to ensure parents have timely and accurate information about the safety of their children at school. Senate Bill 971, sponsored by Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16), would require schools to notify parents and school employees of an incident involving the possession of a weapon on school property.

Argall brought both bills up for a vote in the Senate Education Committee earlier this month. They both now advance to the House of Representatives for consideration.

CONTACT: Jim Brugger