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

Caption

Relating to a school district's library materials and catalog, the creation 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 passed, SB13 would significantly alter the landscape of school library operations. It would require school districts to amend their policies concerning library materials and integrate a process through which parents can challenge the appropriateness of certain works. The law sets out definitions of harmful material, indecent content, and profane content, allowing school boards to systematically filter library catalogs. This could have implications on the diversity of reading materials available to students, as certain literature may be deemed unsuitable under these regulations.

Summary

Senate Bill 13 (SB13) aims to establish new guidelines for public school libraries in Texas, focusing on parental rights regarding library materials consumed by their children. The legislation mandates the creation of local school library advisory councils tasked with ensuring that library contents align with parental and community values. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures parents can use to restrict their children's access to specific library materials deemed inappropriate by them. This shift emphasizes an increased role for parents in overseeing what their children can access in public schools.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB13 is notably divided, with supporters expressing enthusiasm for empowering parents to shape educational environments according to their values and concerns regarding what children are exposed to at school. Detractors, on the other hand, fear that the bill may suppress diverse viewpoints and limit students' access to critical literature necessary for their development. This polarization reflects broader societal debates about education, censorship, and parental influence in schools.

Contention

Key points of contention in the discussion around SB13 include the extent to which parental control should dictate school library content and the potential consequences for educational freedom. Advocates for the bill argue that it is essential to reflect local values in educational settings, while opponents stress the importance of protecting access to a wide range of ideas and fostering critical thinking. The creation of advisory councils also raises questions about whose voices will be heard and how effectively they will represent the diverse population of students in the state.

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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