Huff bill would require comment period at school board meetings

The Kentucky House of Representatives has passed legislation, co-sponsored by 82^nd Rep. Regina Huff (R-Williamsburg), which is aimed at giving parents more access and input in their children’s education. HB 121 requires local school boards to set aside time for public comments during meetings.

“As a retired teacher, my first obligation is to learners of all ages. Parents are paying more attention than ever to education, and many issues are bubbling up concerns,” said Huff, the House Education Committee Chair. “I believe parents should be involved and have more say in their kid’s education. They deserve to be a voice at the forefront of these conversations – point-blank.”

Huff’s legislation seeks to shore up the state’s education law which currently allows boards of education to curtail public comments at their meetings.

The bill ensures that at least 15 minutes – or until comments end – at each meeting is open for community members to provide input. The requirement can be passed over if there are no requests to participate by the start of the comment period.

“A majority of our school leaders encourage parental involvement and already welcome community input, but there are always bad actors with misguided policies. My bill is about empowering parents and students, especially when it comes to classroom issues like curriculum or how to combat the pandemic,” added Huff.

The Kentucky House of Representatives passed HB 121 on Feb. 2 by a vote of 66-24.

The bill reported favorably out of the Senate Education Committee on March 10, and moved to the Senate Committee on Education for a second reading on March 11.

The bill is co-sponsored by 49^th Rep. Thomas Huff, R-Shepherdsville, and 24^th Rep. Brandon Reed, R-Hodgenville.

For more information on House Bill 121, visit the Legislative Research Commission website.