OLYMPIA…Parents’ rights, local control of our schools, and common sense took another hit today when the Democrat majority in the Senate passed a bill that would drive a wedge between parents and children, while also using state funding to punish school districts for not complying with liberal-agenda-driven state mandates.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, had the following reaction to House Bill 1296:

“Today, Senate Democrats ignored the will of Washington voters and continued their assault on parental rights by passing House Bill 1296. Not a single Republican supported this legislation—and for good reason.

“HB 1296 chips away at the foundation of the Parents’ Rights Act, a voter-approved law meant to keep parents informed and engaged in their children’s education. While Democrats removed one of the most egregious provisions—prohibiting schools from notifying parents during medical emergencies—this bill still crosses the line by interfering in the parent-child relationship and centralizing more power in Olympia.

“It’s especially troubling that HB 1296 allows the state to withhold up to 20% of a school district’s constitutionally guaranteed basic education funding if it doesn’t comply with partisan mandates. That’s not support—it’s coercion. These aren’t just policy differences. This is an attempt to weaponize education funding and force local schools to adopt a far-left social agenda, regardless of community values or capacity.

“Half of our students are failing English assessments. Two-thirds can’t pass math. This Legislature should be focused on academics, not politics. The people of Washington expect their lawmakers to prioritize learning, not use state dollars to bully school districts into compliance.

“Republicans stand with parents, with students, and with local communities. We will continue to fight for transparency, accountability, and excellence in education.”