The Iowa House moved to reinforce parental rights in Iowa, passing House File 819.
Rep. Brian Lohse, R-Bondurant, said courts have recognized parental rights relating to the care, education and upbringing of their children, for example. The bill makes those rights clear in state law, Lohse said.
The bill says “state action infringing on this fundamental right shall be subject to strict scrutiny and shall be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling state interest.”
The legislation also notes that parents’ rights are unrelated to marital status and “a parent is presumed to be a fit parent” unless there is “clear and convincing evidence” to the contrary.
The bill passed unanimously.
