The proposal was announced as the candidate rolled out a parents coalition.
Republican gubernatorial hopeful Paul Renner wants to make parental rights laws permanent, and is pushing for a constitutional amendment to make that happen.
The proposed Florida Parental Rights Constitutional Amendment, which would need 60% approval from voters, would declare it a “fundamental right” for parents to “direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children.”
It would also protect school choice, meaning that homeschooling, private schools and religious education would all be protected. Universal school choice was one of Renner’s priorities when he was House Speaker.
Infringement on those rights could happen, but only if “governmental interest as applied to the person is of the highest order and not otherwise served.”
The amendment would also protect parental rights in the case of disability.
Renner is also rolling out a parents coalition that, according to state coordinator Patti Sullivan, will “work to share this message of opportunity while supporting long-term constitutional protections for parental rights against government intrusion.”
“Florida has led the nation in putting parents first and securing educational freedom,” Renner said.
“I’m proud to stand with the parents and families fighting to ensure every child has access to a quality education tailored to their unique needs. These individuals represent the kind of grassroots leadership that will continue moving our state forward in education. By protecting parental rights in our Constitution, we can and will ensure these freedoms are preserved for future generations of Florida families.”
The Parental Rights Foundation provided the model for the proposal.