Historically, when issues have arisen regarding a child’s education, health, or mental health, the expectation has been that school state officials are to notify parents or legal guardians of those issues. For example, if a child is hurt on campus, has a medical issue, is being bullied, or has missed a class, the parent/guardian is advised. On July 15, California’s legislators changed all the rules and became the first state to adopt a bill intended to protect the privacy rights of school-age children across the state.

On July 15, 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed California AB1955, a bill prohibiting the ability of school employees to report to parents a student’s professed sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression without the child’s permission. This bill will become California law in January 2025, and inevitably, other states may follow this trend and adopt similar bills. Whether one supports or opposes the new California legislation, numerous legal questions are bound to arise.