Parental rights health care bill is ready for full House vote after divisive Committee process

A parental rights bill is ready for a full House vote after featuring a fierce debate in its final Committee stop.

The House Education & Employment Committee advanced HB 173 filed by Rep. Kim Kendall, a St. Augustine Republican. One of the bill’s most controversial measures would prevent minors from being treated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) unless they received parental permission first.

“This bill ensures that parents have the ability to make medical decisions for their minor children,” said Kendall, who has repeatedly argued that her bill is nonpartisan.

Kendall previously filed the legislation in 2025. It advanced through the House but then died in the Senate. 

It appears a similar outcome could happen again in the 2026 Session. An identical Senate bill (SB 166) filed by Sen. Erin Grall has been referred to three Senate Committees but not been called to a vote yet.

Democratic Rep. Yvonne Hayes Hinson warned that the same concerns from 2025 still exist.

Democrats and other critics questioned how young people who are being abused by their parents can get parental permission to treat that very abuse?

Kendall pointed to exemptions written into her bill, saying restrictions would not apply if a parent was being investigated for crimes against the child or if the minor needed emergency help.

“Medical professionals and health care professionals are trained and looking for even suspicions of abuse,” Kendall said, noting that doctors are already mandated reporters for child abuse.

Rep. Rita Harris, an Orlando Democrat, warned that the bill was too broad and unfairly applied to older teenagers who needed STI treatment.

Under the bill, doctors could diagnose and examine minors for STIs but could not treat the diseases without parental permission. In addition, the bill would prohibit teens from getting birth control and other contraception, as well as medical health and substance abuse help, unless their parents approved.

The bill would also expand parents’ rights to access their minor children’s medical records and forbid medical professionals from prescribing drugs to children without parental consent.

“What’s happening right now is you have a 12-year-old kid,” Kendall said. “The doctor is pulling the minor aside and asking the 12-year-old if they want the parents to access their medical records.”

Another provision in the bill prevents School Districts from using a biofeedback device to discipline students unless parents approve. Kendall said that provision addresses a situation in a handful of Jacksonville schools where students’ heart rate is monitored in class as teachers coach them to relax and calm down.

The bill drew mixed support.

Parent Abby Standford advocated for HB 173 as she described the challenges of being a mom to a medically complex child.

“When she turned 12, my access to see her medications and prescriptions was removed by one of the largest pediatric health systems in the country with the explanation it was done to protect my child’s privacy,” Standford said during the Committee’s public comment period Tuesday. “This makes even routine medical refills difficult and causes delay in treatment.”

Patti Sullivan, State Coordinator for Parental Rights Florida, also advocated for the bill, which she called common sense.

“Here in Florida and around the United States, a minor child cannot even get their ears pierced without their parents permission. They cannot get a tattoo without their permission,” Sullivan said. “Yet all over this state and around the country, parents are being cut out of having access to their children’s medical records, their prescriptions.”

But Ashe Bradley, a child rape survivor who grew up to work in pediatrics, said the bill could have detrimental effects on vulnerable children in unstable homes.

“Laws like this do not protect children. Laws like this silence them,” Bradley said during public comment. “For these young people, confidential access to STI treatment and mental health care was not a loophole. It was a lifeline. HB 173 will take away that lifeline for many.”

Jon Harris Maurer, Public Policy Director for Equality Florida, agreed that parental rights are important for topics like vaccinations or a student getting a concussion on the soccer field. But HB 173 goes too far, he warned.

“This bill would rather a young person suffer untreated illness, escalating mental health distress,” he said.

Hearing the debate, Hinson acknowledged that both sides brought up valid concerns. Parents’ rights need to be protected and the fact that a 12-year-old could gain more access to her medical records than her parents “really threw me for a loop,” Hinson admitted.

“I understand both sides,” the Gainesville Democrat said, but added, “I’m sworn to protect children.”

She voted against the bill.

Rep. Kiyan Michael argued the bill will make it easier for her constituents who have to get pre-authorization for medicine for their children and navigate the health care system.

“I’m thankful for this bill,” the Jacksonville Republican said.