1. United States
2. Idaho
3. Letter

I am writing as your constituent to urge you to vote NO on House Bill 822, the “Pediatric Secretive Transitions Parental Rights Act.” While I understand the intent to protect parental involvement, this bill goes far beyond that — and the harm it will cause to Idaho’s children, educators, and families is serious. HB 822’s definition of “social transition” is dangerously overbroad. It includes changes in a child’s appearance and how they dress, meaning teachers and counselors could feel legally compelled to report a student’s clothing or haircut to their parents — under threat of up to $100,000 in civil penalties. That is not parental rights legislation. That is government surveillance of how children dress. Most troubling, this bill contains no safety exceptions. A counselor would be legally required to report a child to their parents even if that child has a well-founded fear of abuse or being thrown out of the home. Idaho has an obligation to protect all children, and this bill abandons that responsibility. The penalties are also wildly disproportionate. Driving drunk with a minor in your vehicle carries a maximum $5,000 fine in Idaho. HB 822 would punish a compassionate school counselor with up to $100,000. That is not justice — it is intimidation. Finally, this bill will worsen Idaho’s workforce crisis. We are already struggling to retain teachers and healthcare providers. Threatening those professionals with massive civil liability for showing empathy to a struggling student will push more of them out of our state. Idaho families deserve legislation that strengthens the parent-child relationship, supports our educators, and keeps kids safe. HB 822 does none of those things. Please vote NO.