Rep. Peter Abbarno issues statement on House Democrats silencing debate on parental bill of rights legislation

Rep. Peter Abbarno criticized House Democrats for using a rare procedural move to silence debate on legislation impacting parental rights, calling it a historic breach of legislative transparency.

The tactic hadn’t been used in the Washington State House in over 130 years

During debate on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5181 – a controversial proposal that guts Initiative 2081 and undermines the rights of parents – the House Democratic majority invoked a procedural move known as a “call to question.” This tactic immediately ends debate and forces a vote, even if members are still waiting to speak. It hadn’t been used in the Washington State House in over 130 years – but today, it was used to silence the minority party and cut off further discussion on a bill that affects hundreds of thousands of families across Washington.

Historically, the Washington State House has valued transparency, open dialogue, and civil discussion–especially on issues that deeply impact families and communities. Regardless of where one stands on the policy, debate is essential to foster mutual understanding and ensure that all legislators can represent their constituents with integrity.

Rep. Peter Abbarno, House Republican Caucus Chair, issued the following statement in response to today’s events:

“Today, the Democrat majority silenced the voices of parents, the voices of over 400,000 Washingtonians who signed Initiative 2081, and the voices of House Republicans who represent more than 3.5 million people across this state.

“House Republicans warned that changing the Legislature’s 132-year-old rule would set a dangerous precedent–and today, that warning became a reality. In a stunning display of political control, the majority repeatedly used their new power to shut down debate on a bill that repeals much of the Parental Bill of Rights.

“Parents across Washington have made it clear: they want to be recognized as the primary stakeholder in their children’s education. House Democrats did not want to hear the ‘inconvenient truth’ and ended House Republicans’ attempts to protect girls in sports, provide greater parental access to their child’s education and healthcare records, and improve the relationship between parents and their children’s school. Instead of listening to all sides of the issue, the majority party chose to govern in their echo chamber.

“This is not how democracy is supposed to work. When those in power suppress debate to avoid accountability, trust in our institution erodes. House Republicans will continue to stand with parents and fight for transparency, even when the majority doesn’t want to hear it.”

ESSB 5181 passed the House with no Republican support.

Information provided by Washington State House Republicans, houserepublicans.wa.gov