1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

As Governor, I urge you to sign House Bill 1296 into law. This legislation strikes a critical balance between protecting parental rights and safeguarding the well-being of all students, especially those from vulnerable groups like the LGBTQ+ community. The bill clarifies parents' ability to access certain records and opt their children out of specific assignments, while also enshrining important anti-discrimination protections based on gender identity and expression into state law. Additionally, it establishes a formal complaint process and potential funding consequences to ensure schools comply with these regulations. While concerns have been raised by some over undermining parental trust, the changes in HB 1296 are necessary to resolve conflicts between existing privacy rules and the previous "parental rights" initiative. The bill removes access to confidential student medical and mental health records, which is crucial for maintaining trust between students and school counselors. However, it still provides parents with ample involvement in their children's education. By signing this legislation, you can uphold parental rights while prioritizing student safety, privacy, and inclusivity in our schools. HB 1296 represents a balanced, fair approach that addresses the needs of all families in our state. I urge you to sign it into law without delay to ensure these vital protections and procedures take effect immediately.