Senator Drew MacEwen Criticizes Parental Rights Bill in Washington State Senate

As the 2025 legislative session enters its 30th day in Washington, the pace of work is intensifying with 76 days remaining. Among the key issues debated this week, Senator Drew MacEwen voiced strong opposition to a bill that seeks to amend the parental rights initiative passed last year.

The bill, Senate Bill 5181, has been the subject of heated debate in the legislature. Democratic leaders, including Senator Claire Wilson, who is the prime sponsor of the bill, argue that the bill is necessary to align the initiative with existing state laws and to ensure student privacy. Wilson noted that the bill makes updates to protect students’ health and rights, including removing the requirement for schools to notify parents about non-emergency medical services provided to their children.

However, MacEwen and other Republicans contend that the bill undermines parental involvement, arguing that it creates unnecessary barriers between parents and their children’s education. Senate Minority Leader John Braun expressed concern that the bill “puts the state in the middle of the relationship between a parent and a child,” emphasizing that schools should not be the gatekeeper in decisions that involve parents, especially when a child may be experiencing a crisis.

While Senate Republicans managed to secure some changes to the bill, MacEwen ultimately voted against it, reaffirming his belief that policies should support, not hinder, parental involvement. He has encouraged constituents to reach out with their thoughts on this and other issues, underscoring the importance of their voices in shaping legislation.