Legislative Update: CACR17 - May 10, 2024 Windham Independent
Legislative Update: CACR17
On March 7, the House of Representatives effectively killed CACR17 (a constitutional amendment resolution regarding parents rights) in a 180-183 vote on the Ought To Pass (OTP) motion (60% majority was required).
The original text for the proposed constitutional amendment was:
[Art.] 2-c. [Rights of Parents] Parents have a fundamental right and responsibility to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their minor children. Neither the state nor any political subdivision shall infringe these rights without demonstrating that its compelling governmental interest as applied to the person is of the highest order and not otherwise served. This article shall not be construed to apply to a parental action or decision that would end life or otherwise physically harm a child.
A Floor Amendment was introduced to modify the language above to:
[Art.] 2-c. [Rights of Parents.] The fundamental right and responsibility of parents to direct the upbringing, education, health and care of their minor children shall not be infringed.
The motion out of committee was Inexpedient To Legislate (ITL) - it got defeated on the floor on a 174-186 roll call vote, with every Democrat voting to kill it, while all but 3 Republicans voting to save it.
The remaining votes were division votes (no individual votes recorded, just the totals). The floor amendment adoption failed by 173-189, and the OTP motion failed 180-183, effectively ending the attempt to bring this constitutional amendment to the ballot so that all New Hampshire voters decide its fate.
You’d think that support for parents rights would be common sense, and such fundamental parental rights would be broadly supported by our legislators, but this is just one of the many parent’s rights bills strongly supported by Republicans, and fiercely opposed by Democrats.
Parents know and love their child more than anyone else, and should be the ones making the major decisions concerning their children. We all know how many government experts and agencies believe THEY are the ones who know better than the parents what is best for their child, and we also know that those one size fits all opinions and policies have failed again and again. Every child is unique, and in order for their particular needs and interests to be addressed, parents have to be in control.
I will continue to fight for parents rights, and I hope that we will have an actual majority next year, so we can advance these much needed bills that failed by narrow margins this term.
I am always happy to engage with Windham residents - you can call or text me at 603-267-4142, or email me at dpm@leg.state.nh.us. If you do email me, a quick text letting me know to look for your email would be appreciated - I receive more emails than I can read in a timely fashion, and knowing what to look for would greatly help.
Daniel Popovici-Muller
Windham Representative
Clerk, Division II
House Finance Committee