WATCH: Ferguson says initiative 'weakens' parental rights in push against IL26-001

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(The Center Square) - Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and others opposed to IL26-001 concerning parental rights, held a press conference Thursday morning to urge voters to reject the measure on the Nov. 3 ballot.

IL26-001 would reestablish a parent's right to be notified before their child receives medical or mental health services, restore faster access to textbooks, classroom materials and school records.

The measure also emphasizes timely communication from schools, including notice of academic performance, school policies, disciplinary issues and safety concerns. It would also require schools to provide advance notice and opt-out options for sensitive classroom topics.

“It’s my strong sense that many Washingtonians aren’t aware of the facts surrounding this initiative that are extremely important to communicate,” Ferguson said during Thursday's press conference.

“This initiative, no matter how hard the other side tries to spin it, actually weakens existing laws by removing parents’ rights,” said Ferguson.

Rep. Monica Stonier, D-Vancouver, said she supports the No on I-001 effort because she believes the law could harm children.

“When I was leading the legislature on fixing the mess Brian Heywood introduced last time with his primary goal being to sew a false narrative about schools that is divisive and dangerous in the name of parental rights, we became quite aware of how sloppy language could have a negative impact on children in our schools,” said Stonier.

“Teachers, counselors, school leaders all know that partnering with parents is crucial.”

Stonier and other speakers said passing the initiative would make it harder for parents to get information about their children from schools and could prevent schools from notifying parents if a child is sexually assaulted.

Let’s Go Washington issued a news release after the press conference, refuting many of the claims that were made, including the claim that parents wouldn’t be notified if their child was the victim of a crime.

"Current law requires notification when the school receives a report alleging a crime against the child on school property, during the school day, or during a school-sponsored activity. I-001 removes those location and time restrictions and extends the provision to criminal acts committed either against or by the child. Mandatory reporting requirements and all student safety protocols remain in statute with I-001,” read an email from LGW.

Darren Littell with LGW told The Center Square, the opposition has intentionally adopted the language of those supporting the initiative.

“The opposition is trying to twist the language here because they realized they were on the wrong side of this issue. People want to support parents’ rights and that’s why they are taking essentially the same position as we are to try and confuse it,” said Littell.

“In any other time in history, the idea of an adult telling a child, 'Let’s keep a secret from your parents,' it would be a red flag. It’s still a red flag. Giving kids an opportunity to meet with adults privately and keep parents out of the conversation is just wrong,” he said.

Background

In 2024, Initiative 2081 was approved by the Legislature with strong bipartisan support. It was intended to clarify parents’ rights regarding what was happening with their child at school.

A legal challenge to derail I-2081 was unsuccessful so majority Democrats returned in 2025 and passed House Bill 1296 which made significant changes to the law, further dividing parents and schools.

Let’s Go Washington returned with IL26-001, which was certified by the Secretary of State in January 2026, and the measure was sent to the Washington Legislature for consideration.

Democratic leadership refused to hold hearings on or advance the initiative, sending it to the Nov. 3 ballot.