As a concerned constituent and parent in North Carolina, I am urging our state leaders to take immediate and decisive action to protect our state's children, empower families, and enhance the integrity of our educational and legal systems. In light of ongoing national debates and legal challenges concerning parental rights, student privacy, and online safety—issues that are increasingly impacting families across the country—it is critical that North Carolina proactively addresses these concerns to prevent the erosion of parental authority and traditional family values.

We need our representatives to champion and pass these five critical legislative proposals which build on existing protections like the Parental Bill of Rights and federal acts, aiming to reinforce family rights and child safety both offline and online.

I am calling for you to lending your powerful voices to these efforts by reaching out your local representatives to request sponsorship of and advocacy for the passage of this crucial legislative proposals:

The full files can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/258yi75qjujjciwarh1iy/ACNcb3lZ5LU5d2ClYtXKaIo?rlkey=nn2brrx8icoqrad0jvwq803xf&st=a4vgdtqi&dl=0

1. North Carolina Parental Bonds Protection Act (NC-PBPA)
This bill empowers parents by enshrining their fundamental rights in decisions concerning their children's upbringing, education, and healthcare. It establishes clear guidelines to uphold parental authority and transparency, fostering a stronger partnership between families and institutions. Crucially, NC-PBPA also combats the exploitation of custodial parents in child custody proceedings by criminalizing "exploitation by extortion," providing courts with tools to protect parental bonds, and penalizing those who manipulate custody outcomes through intimidation or deceit.

2. North Carolina Minor's Information Online Removal Act (NC-MIORA)
In our increasingly digital world, protecting minors' online privacy and data is paramount. NC-MIORA empowers custodial parents to demand the removal of their minor child’s personal information from websites and online services. This act fills critical gaps in federal law, safeguarding children from exploitative data collection, identity exposure, and manipulation by non-custodial or third parties. Passing NC-MIORA will demonstrate North Carolina's commitment to creating a safer online environment for its youngest citizens.

3. North Carolina Family Partnership in Child Care and Education Act (NC-FPCCE)
Recognizing the indispensable role of families in childcare and education, NC-FPCCE fosters greater collaboration between families, childcare providers, and educational institutions. This legislation establishes a unified framework for parental involvement, guaranteeing parents access to their children and facilities, mandating regular communication about a child’s development and well-being, and promoting collaborative relationships. By strengthening these partnerships, we can achieve more tailored support systems for children and improve educational outcomes.

4. North Carolina Child Care and Educational Information Standardization Act (NC-CCEIS)
The standardization of information in childcare and education is essential for efficiency, transparency, and informed decision-making. NC-CCEIS streamlines data collection and reporting, making it easier for parents to access crucial information, for providers to comply with regulations, and for policymakers to allocate resources effectively. It ensures accurate, comprehensive records are accessible to authorized personnel and parents, enhancing emergency response, health management, and individualized support across the sector.

5. North Carolina Internet Child Protection Act (NC-ICCPA)
This bill reinforces the duty of candor owed by attorneys in civil court proceedings, prohibiting knowingly false material allegations. It provides a clear process for affected parties to seek redress, mandates reimbursement of legal costs when misconduct is proven, and empowers courts to impose sanctions and refer violations to the State Bar. NC-ICCPA is crucial for upholding the integrity of North Carolina’s civil justice system and protecting vulnerable families from legal manipulation.

These proposals are modeled after and aims to close the loop on the broader Parental Bill of Rights, North Carolina Internet Child Protection Act (NCIPA), Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, and the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) – all of which aim to reinforce the rights of families and the safety of minors in both physical and digital environments.

These bills collectively represent a significant step forward in protecting our children, empowering families, and enhancing the quality and integrity of childcare, education, and the legal system across North Carolina.

Your support for these initiatives is not just appreciated—it is essential! By championing these bills, you will demonstrate your commitment to the families and future of our state.

Please stand with North Carolina families. Sign this petition and urge all North Carolina elected officials to sponsor and pass the NC-PBPA, NC-MIORA, NC-FPCCE, NC-CCEIS, and NC-ICCPA.

Patricia Cotham

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