California's new bill, SB 596, concerns many parents since they believe it would affect their First Amendment rights.
Nicolle Young, the Placer County Chair for Moms for Liberty, even claims that the new school bill would legislate their First Amendment "out of existence."
California SB 596 Could Affect First Amendment of Parents
School buses drive down teh road to pick up children before classes begin on October 10, 2008 in Pasadena, California. California State Treasurer Bill Lockyer has warned that California cash revenues will run out by the end of the month.
According to Fox News' latest report, SB 596 could expand the terms of an existing law that prevents parents from disrupting classrooms and extracurricular events where school employees are present.
Once this new California bill is passed, it could include off-campus activities, such as school board meetings.
Young explained that the bill was introduced to prevent parents from protesting against sexually explicit material in school curricula.
"596 was written because the senator who wrote the bill, in his district, there have been a lot of parents who have objected to the sexually explicit material within the curriculum," explained the Moms for Liberty official.
She added that SB 596 was created to prevent parents from voicing their concerns about school curriculum and activities.
"It is framed as a way to protect teachers and school board members. But really, it's going to be used as a cudgel to silence parents' voices," said Nicolle.
About California's Controversial SB 596 Bill
A sign is displayed in a tree as protesters gather outside the Glendale Unified School District headquarters in Glendale, California, on June 20, 2023. Over 300 people gathered outside the Glendale Unified School District headquarters.
The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) stated that if SB 596 becomes law, California parents could face jail time for just speaking at school board meetings.
Critics explained that this controversial bill was amended to adjust the meaning of harassment from lawful violence or a credible threat of violence to "torments" or "terrorizes."
Pacific Legal Institute State Legal Policy Deputy Director Jim Manley said tSB 596 has potential red flags.
Manley even provided an example to prove his point. He said that if parents send emails to school board officials and they mentally suffer, then those parents will be punished by the new bill.
Sarah Parshall, The Heritage Foundation's Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies senior legal fellow, also believes that SB 596 is an attempt to prevent parents from questioning school board officials.
"It's clear they're trying to chill parents from speaking out," she said.
The controversial bill was passed in the California State Senate back in May. As of writing, it is making its way through the lower chamber as lawmakers broaden its terms.
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