Texas Senate Bill SB13

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/12/25
• Out of Senate Committee: 3/5/25
• Voted on by Senate: 3/19/25
• Out of House Committee: 5/22/25
• Voted on by House: 5/28/25

Caption

Relating to a school district's library materials and catalog, the establishment of local school library advisory councils, and parental rights regarding public school library catalogs and access by the parent's child to library materials.

Impact

If enacted, SB 13 will significantly alter the regulatory landscape for school libraries in Texas by instituting procedures for parental access and control over what materials their children may access. This legislation will require each school district to adopt a robust policy that aligns library acquisitions and content relationships with local values and norms. By setting clear guidelines on how library materials can be challenged, the bill may contribute to a shift toward recognizing the authority of parents in educational environments, particularly in relation to topics perceived as sensitive or controversial.

Summary

Senate Bill 13 aims to reform policies pertaining to school district library materials and the establishment of local school library advisory councils. The legislation mandates that parents have access to their children's library records and the ability to challenge library materials deemed inappropriate. Furthermore, school districts are required to develop a model policy regarding the procurement and retention of library materials, reinforcing parental involvement in school library governance. The bill is designed to enhance transparency and align library collections with community standards.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 13 is markedly divided. Proponents argue that the legislation empowers parents and ensures that educational materials are appropriate for students, reflecting community values. Critics, however, assert that the bill poses risks of censorship and undermines the educational profession by allowing parental control to dictate library content. This ideological clash between ensuring parental rights and upholding professional library standards necessitates careful navigation and robust discussion in educational policy circles.

Contention

Key points of contention regarding SB 13 revolve around the balance between parental controls and the responsibilities of educational institutions to uphold diverse academic environments. Opponents argue that the frequent challenge process could lead to the exclusion of valuable educational resources, thus creating a homogenized view of library content based on specific ideological standards. Additionally, there are concerns that the establishment of local library advisory councils could lead to inconsistency in application across districts, ultimately impacting equal access to information among students.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 26. Parental Rights And Responsibilities
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• Chapter 33. Service Programs And Extracurricular Activities
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