GOP’s revival of parental-rights measure passes Senate

Colorado Republicans say parents need more control over their children’s school curriculum and medical treatment, and they’ve advanced what they call a “Parents’ Bill of Rights” with their newfound majority in the Senate.

The Senate gave initial approval to the bill Wednesday. Democrats argued the measure is too broad.

The bill would allow parents to exempt their children from “any learning material or activity” and would ban schools from conducting medical exams without parental permission. Democrats call that a recipe for hiding child abuse.

Republicans insist the bill simply reiterates existing parental rights, including the ability not to vaccinate their kids. Supporters say it would increase parental involvement in education.

The measure faces one more vote before it heads to the Democratic House.