Parental rights; establish fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing, education and care of their children.

HB 1098, a proposed Mississippi bill, would have established a fundamental right for parents to direct their children's upbringing, education, and care. It would have prohibited state agencies or local officials from interfering with these parental rights, except in very limited circumstances where a government interest is compelling and the restriction is the least restrictive option. The bill, which died in committee in February 2025, aimed to directly affect parents and state education or child welfare agencies. It did not create new programs but sought to legally limit state authority over parental decisions. The bill would have taken effect on July 1, 2025, if passed.