TX
Texas House Bill HB890

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB890

Filed
12/7/22  
Out of House Committee
3/29/23  
Voted on by House
4/20/23  
Out of Senate Committee
5/19/23  
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

Impact

The implications of HB 890 on existing state laws are significant. The bill not only updates current educational policies to highlight parental authority, but it also places limitations on the school districts regarding instructional materials and content presented to students. Furthermore, it establishes an expectation for greater accountability from school districts regarding how they manage and respond to parental concerns. This legislation may affect various aspects of school district operations, including curriculum development and the review processes for instructional materials, which now must accommodate parental input more robustly.

Summary

House Bill 890, proposed by Representative Keith Bell, aims to reinforce parental rights and responsibilities pertaining to public school educational materials and grievance processes. This legislation requires school districts to adopt clear procedures for parents to file grievances regarding the educational content and instructional materials provided to their children. It also mandates that school boards complete grievance processes within a designated timeline, thereby ensuring parents have prompt resolutions to their complaints. By codifying these processes, the bill seeks to establish a more structured and accessible grievance mechanism for parents and guardians, enhancing their involvement in their children's education.

Sentiment

The legislative sentiment surrounding HB 890 appears to be generally supportive among its proponents, who argue that the bill bolsters parental engagement in education and promotes transparency in the grievance processes. However, there is also a contingent of opposition, particularly from those who believe the bill could permit excessive parental interference in educational matters and restrict educators' professional autonomy. This dynamic creates a broader discussion about the balance of authority in educational settings, with strong emotions on both sides regarding the rights of parents versus the discretion of school administrators.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention include concerns over the potential for the bill to allow excessive parental intervention in the educational experience, particularly regarding the content taught to students. Critics assert that while parental rights are essential, there should be safeguards to ensure educational integrity and professional discretion are maintained within school systems. As the bill moves forward, discussions around its provisions, specifically regarding instructional material reviews and student transfers between districts, may continue to evoke passionate debates about the role of education and parental influence.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 1. General Provisions
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 26. Parental Rights And Responsibilities
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 28. Courses Of Study; Advancement
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 31. Instructional Materials And Technology
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 11. School Districts
    • Section: 1511
    • Section: 1511

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB77

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

TX SB8

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX HB5261

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX SB9

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB2120

Relating to school district hearings regarding complaints.

TX HB4411

Relating to school district hearings regarding complaints.

TX SB12

Relating to parental rights in public education, to certain public school requirements and prohibitions regarding instruction, diversity, equity, and inclusion duties, and social transitioning, and to student clubs at public schools.

TX HB2291

Public schools; textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials.

TX HB2772

Public schools; textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials.

TX SB955

Public schools; definitions, textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials.

Similar Bills

TX SB77

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

TX SB12

Relating to parental rights in public education, to certain public school requirements and prohibitions regarding instruction, diversity, equity, and inclusion duties, and social transitioning, and to student clubs at public schools.

TX SB8

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX HB5261

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX SB1880

Relating to the grievance procedure in public schools.

TX HB5498

Relating to a public school's grievance procedure.

TX SB2171

Relating to a public school's grievance procedure.

TX HB5125

Relating to measures to ensure public school transparency and accountability, including school district board of trustees meeting requirements, posting of certain information on a public school's Internet website, the creation of a grievance portal, and the inclusion of a transparency and accountability domain in the public school accountability system.