The Arizona House of Representatives voted to require teachers to disclose to parents if a student told them something in confidence.
The bill states teachers cannot withhold information about a student’s physical, emotional or mental health, and it would be illegal to encourage a student to keep information from their parents.
The exception being if the student is showing evidence of being a victim of abuse. Rep. Kelli Butler thinks the bill’s language is dangerous for teachers.
"If a student feels that they can't share something with their parent because maybe there is fear around that, without actual physical abuse, but still fear, this would prevent this teacher from being able to provide help for that student." Butler said.
Bill Sponsor Rep. Steve Kaiser said the measure is a part of ensuring parents know everything that is going on with their children. The bill now moves to the Senate.
