Chambana Sun

Congresswoman Mary Miller of Illinois’ 15th district has introduced the Empower Parents to Protect Their Kids Act in the House of Representatives. The bill aims to prevent K–12 schools from hiding or supporting a student’s adoption of an identity that does not match their biological sex, unless parents provide express consent. The legislation also gives parents the right to sue school districts that withhold information about their children.

Senators Jim Banks of Indiana and Tom Cotton of Arkansas have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“Parents have the God-given right and duty to raise their children without being deceived by extremists in public education,” said Congresswoman Mary Miller. “We must end the radical gender ideologies being pushed on our children and give parents the power to fight back.”

“Parents should never be kept in the dark about their own kids,” said Senator Jim Banks. “This bill makes sure schools can’t push radical gender ideology behind parents’ backs and puts families back in charge where they belong.”

“Schools should never be allowed to impose radical, harmful ideologies on children – especially without their parents’ consent,” said Senator Tom Cotton. “Our bill protects students and ensures parents are in control of their children’s education. Schools should remain institutions of education, not a place for radical liberal propaganda.”

Key elements of the bill include preventing schools from facilitating a child’s change of identity without parental approval, allowing legal action by parents if information is withheld, banning school employees from providing accommodations affirming a new identity without parental consent, and protecting staff who contact authorities regarding imminent threats to student safety.

According to Defending Education, more than 1,200 school districts across the country have policies instructing staff not to share information with parents if a child expresses discomfort with their gender. Supporters argue these policies conflict with established parental rights recognized by Supreme Court rulings.

President Trump signed Executive Order #14191 on January 29, 2025, which focuses on enforcing parental rights within federally funded K-12 education.

Rep. Mary Miller previously cosponsored similar legislation in 2023. The current proposal is supported by organizations such as Family Research Council, American Principles Project, Family Policy Alliance, Eagle Forum, Advance USA, Moms for America, American Family Project, Parents Defending Education, and Family Policy Alliance.

House cosponsors include Reps. Anna Paulina Luna, Sheri Biggs, Keith Self, Lauren Boebert, Pat Harrigan, Barry Moore, Diana Harshbarger, Elise Stefanik, and Nancy Mace; Senate cosponsors are Senators Roger Marshall (Kan.), Rick Scott (Fla.), Tommy Tuberville (Ala.), and Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.).

Mary Miller began serving as U.S. Representative for Illinois’ 15th district after replacing John Shimkus in 2021.

More details about the proposed law can be found at Daily Caller.