The South Dakota House of Representatives rejected a parental rights bill that would have required schools to inform parents if a student socially transitioned genders at school or received related mental health support.
The measure failed 35–30, with 30 Republicans joining Democrats to oppose it despite the bill earlier passing the state Senate.
Supporters said the bill would strengthen parents’ rights to oversee their children’s education, health care, and moral instruction. Critics, however, warned it could interfere with abuse investigations and create legal risks for teachers and school staff.
