An Act To Affirm Parental Rights

LD 1974, "An Act To Affirm Parental Rights," amends Maine law to state that parents are joint natural guardians of their minor children, meaning both parents share equal rights regarding their children's care, custody, control, and services. It also establishes that a parent's right to direct their child's upbringing, education, and care is a fundamental right. The bill clarifies these provisions do not affect court decisions about parental rights or the termination of parental rights. This law directly affects parents of minor children in Maine by codifying these principles in statute.