Texas House Bill HB100

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/20/25
• Out of House Committee: 4/8/25
• Voted on by House: 4/16/25

Caption

Relating to the purchase, adoption, and use of instructional materials by public schools.

Impact

The enactment of HB 100 is intended to streamline the process by which public schools select instructional materials and to enhance the integrity of educational resources. The law mandates that any material added to the list of rejected materials undergoes a public proclamation process at least 45 days prior to its rejection date. Furthermore, schools are encouraged to utilize local funds for instructional materials that are not on the rejected list, thereby giving them greater flexibility in the selection of educational content while still adhering to state standards.

Summary

House Bill 100 aims to regulate the purchase, adoption, and use of instructional materials by public schools in Texas. The bill amends sections of the Education Code to ensure that funds allocated for instructional materials cannot be used for materials that contain obscene or harmful content, or that are already on a list of rejected instructional materials maintained by the State Board of Education. By setting clear guidelines on what constitutes acceptable instructional materials, the bill seeks to promote a standard educational curriculum across the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 100 has been generally positive among proponents who believe that it reinforces the quality of educational content available in schools. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary for protecting students from inappropriate or harmful materials. However, there is also some concern from educators who worry that the limitations on selecting instructional materials could stifle creativity and academic freedom. This juxtaposition reflects ongoing debates about the balance between educational standards and local control over curriculum choices.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the stringent criteria for materials that may be deemed inappropriate or harmful, as critics express fears that these definitions could be overly broad. Additionally, the bill's requirement for the State Board of Education to maintain transparency in its decision-making could result in conflicts if significant materials are rejected, raising concerns about censorship. The deadline for implementation beginning in the 2025-2026 school year also elicits varied reactions regarding preparedness for schools across the state to adapt.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 31. Instructional Materials And Technology
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