Supreme Court Blocks California Law Restricting Parents' Rights

Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo voted for the controversial bill, which the court ruled unconstitutional.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:05pm

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The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked enforcement of a California law, Assembly Bill 1955, that would have allowed schools to hide critical information from parents about their children. The law, which was supported by Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, was ruled unconstitutional by the court, which recognized serious conflicts with federal laws protecting parents' rights to access information about their children in school.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate over parental rights and the role of government in children's lives. The court's decision affirms that parents should not be sidelined when it comes to their children's wellbeing and education.

The details

AB 1955 was passed by the California Legislature last year, restricting schools from informing parents if their child began identifying as a different gender at school. The policy forced teachers and administrators to keep personal information from parents. The Supreme Court has now issued a 6-3 decision in Mirabelli v. Bonta, allowing a lower court injunction to stand that blocks enforcement of the most controversial provisions of AB 1955.

  • In March 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its 6-3 decision in Mirabelli v. Bonta.
  • Last year, the California Legislature passed AB 1955.

The players

Pilar Schiavo

A California Assemblywoman who voted in favor of AB 1955, the law that the Supreme Court has now blocked.

Elizabeth Wong Ahlers

A mother and political candidate who is criticizing Assemblywoman Schiavo's vote on AB 1955 and pledging to fight for parental rights if elected.

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What they’re saying

“Parents are not outsiders in their child's life. We are their first teachers, their protectors, and the people who will walk beside them through life's most difficult moments. When a child is struggling, asking questions, or navigating something deeply personal, the answer should never be to cut parents out of the conversation.”

— Elizabeth Wong Ahlers, Political Candidate

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow further enforcement of the blocked provisions of AB 1955.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between parental rights and government involvement in children's lives. The Supreme Court's decision affirms that parents must be kept informed about their children's wellbeing and education, rejecting attempts by the state to sideline families.