HB 976 strengthens parental rights in public education and imposes restrictions on certain instructional content. It prohibits public schools and charter schools from providing instruction related to sexual orientation or gender identity to students from prekindergarten through eighth grade unless the content is age-appropriate and developmentally suitable. It requires schools to notify parents of changes affecting a child’s mental, emotional, or physical health and prohibits actions that could withhold information from parents, except when disclosure could lead to abuse or neglect. It also provides parents the right to bring civil suits for violations and imposes civil penalties on schools for non-compliance. The law takes effect on September 1, 2025​.