THE RAATZ ROUNDUP
Submitted for use on Sept. 25, 2025
Word Count: 343
The bond between a parent and child is sacred. Parents impart key life lessons in their children’s lives and consequently play an integral part in shaping them into who they will be in adult life.
It is imperative to allow parents to have the freedom to raise their children especially here in the United States of America. The government should not restrict a parent's right to raise their children, except in the narrowest, most compelling circumstances like child abuse or neglect.
To ensure parents will always be allowed to parent, I co-authored Senate Enrolled Act 143, which elevates parental rights to the same level as other fundamental rights such as freedom of religion.
SEA 143 also gives the parents power to hold their government accountable if they feel their parental rights have been violated. The law gives them the ability to have their rights enforced by the Attorney General's Office, when previously, no option existed.
It also prevents governmental actors from prohibiting or denying a parent access to information related to their child's health and well-being and prohibits them from advising, directing or coercing a child to withhold information from a parent.
Over 30 states have already recognized that parental rights are a fundamental right. By joining them, Indiana has the highest level of protection to parents in protecting the special bond between a parent and child.
This parental rights bill comes in addition to other laws I voted for to support parents like a law requiring transparency in sex-ed materials, a law preventing children from being removed from their parents because they are raised in accordance with their biological sex and a law that expands the Choice Scholarship voucher program to all families.
I will continue to work with my fellow lawmakers and constituents to ensure parents can continue to raise their kids in the way they think is best.
Constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns they may have by filling out a "Contact Me" form on the IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Raatz website or by calling my office at 800-382-9467.
-30-
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27, which includes
Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
