The SD Catholic Conference supports HB 1246, a bill that establishes in statute the fundamental rights of parents to nurture, educate, and care for their children. The bill would firmly solidify in statute a rule that currently exists in judicial case law. As a practical matter, it would not eliminate important child protection safeguards in abuse and neglect laws, which are important and must be preserved. Its principal effect would be to offer statutory legal recognition to the natural law principle that parents have a fundamental duty and right to direct the upbringing of their children. HB 1246 would bring greater security in civil law to this fundamental duty and right.
Categories: 2022 Session
