Parental Rights (HB 173)
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Florida
2026
HB 173 boosts parental control over minors’ health care and school data. It requires parent consent for STD treatment and most medical services, narrows minors’ ability to seek mental health and substance use care without parents, and repeals direct access to outpatient crisis services. Schools must give parents K-12 questionnaires in advance, get permission, and allow opt-out. Parents must consent to biofeedback use and DNA/blood records. Providers face penalties for violating consent rules.
Vote Yes on this bill if you want parents to approve most medical care for minors, require consent for STD treatment and post-crisis services, expand parental control over school surveys and biofeedback use, and penalize providers that bypass parental consent.
Organizations that support this bill may include parental rights advocacy groups, conservative family policy organizations, some faith-based groups, and parent associations that favor stronger parental consent over student health care and data.
Supported By
Vote No on this bill if you want minors to keep easier, confidential access to STD, mental health, and substance use services, preserve school flexibility on student surveys, and avoid added barriers that could delay treatment in sensitive situations.
Organizations that oppose this bill may include public health and medical associations, mental health and substance use providers, civil liberties and youth advocacy groups, LGBTQ+ rights organizations, and school counselor and social worker associations.
