Texas House Bill HB1390

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/18/24

Caption

Relating to the requirement of a school district to notify a parent of curriculum or instructional material containing religion or religious values.

Impact

If enacted, HB1390 would impact state laws by formalizing the requirement for school districts to maintain transparency about the religious content of their curriculum. This would ensure that parents are adequately informed and can actively participate in decisions regarding their children's education on religious matters. The bill emphasizes parental rights, allowing them the option to review instructional materials and the ability to remove their children from any religious instruction without penalties.

Summary

House Bill 1390 proposes amendments to the Texas Education Code that require school districts to notify parents when their children will be exposed to instructional material containing religious content. Under the new provisions, school districts must provide written notice to parents at the beginning of each academic year, as well as one week prior to specific instruction that includes references to religion or religious values. This notification aims to enhance parental awareness and involvement in their child's education regarding religious topics.

Conclusion

Overall, HB1390 represents an effort to increase parental control and awareness regarding religious instruction in Texas schools. As this debate progresses, it will be essential to consider the implications for educators' ability to teach comprehensively about various subjects, including histories and influences of different religions, while respecting the rights of parents.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding this bill includes the balance of religious instruction in public education and parental rights. Supporters argue that the bill serves as a crucial step toward protecting parental authority over their children's education and beliefs. However, critics may view the bill as an infringement on the ability of educators to include important historical and cultural contexts that involve religion, potentially leading to disputes over what constitutes appropriate educational content.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 26. Parental Rights And Responsibilities
  • Section: New Section