OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A controversial bill that opponents say undercuts the Parental Rights Initiative has been signed into law.

According to Gov. Bob Ferguson, SHB 1296 protects the safety and privacy of K-12 students in Washington.

“It also adds ethnicity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status and neurodivergence as protected classes under public school non-discrimination provisions and state law,” the governor said. “[The law] clarifies protections for sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity.”

The bill was signed into law on Tuesday, May 20. Under the new rules that go into effect immediately, students’ information about medical records and counseling information will remain confidential from parents.

The Parents’ Bill of Rights, backed by conservative PAC Let’s Go Washington, was passed by the legislation after receiving enough signatures in 2024.

The new rules bring the original initiative into accordance with state law and still allows parents to opt their children out of certain learning and to be notified about certain medical procedures and law enforcement.