Relating to the regulation and the review of certain library materials included in public school libraries.
Impact
The legislation modifies existing provisions in the Education Code and introduces new mechanisms for appraisal of library materials. Under the proposed framework, if a library material is deemed inappropriate for certain grade levels or contains explicit content, it must be added to a list of rejected materials, thus preventing students in those grades from accessing it. The bill also aims to provide protection from liability for school districts and educators regarding materials that are misrepresented by vendors.
Summary
House Bill 183 seeks to establish comprehensive regulations regarding the review and approval of library materials within public school libraries in Texas. The bill mandates that the State Board of Education creates a formal process through which parents can request the review of certain library materials that they consider inappropriate or containing sexually explicit content. This initiative aims to enhance parental involvement in shaping the educational resources available to their children, reflecting a broader trend in education policy that emphasizes local control and parental rights.
Contention
Debates around HB183 highlight concerns regarding censorship and the balance between protecting students and preserving academic freedom. Proponents advocate for parental rights and the necessity of shielding students from potentially harmful content. Critics argue that such measures might lead to over-censorship and limit students' exposure to diverse ideas and perspectives. The bill's implementation may spark ongoing discussions about the boundaries of educational content and the role of parents in educational governance.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Education Code
Chapter 35. Regulation Of Certain Library Material
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.
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.
Relating to parental access to records regarding library materials checked out from public school libraries and instructional materials used in public schools.
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 and to affirmative defenses to prosecution for certain offenses involving material or conduct that is obscene or otherwise harmful to children.
Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.
Relating to methods for the recovery of system restoration costs incurred by electric utilities following hurricanes, tropical storms, ice or snow storms, floods, and other weather-related events and natural disasters.
Relating to methods for the recovery of system restoration costs incurred by electric utilities following hurricanes, tropical storms, ice or snow storms, floods, and other weather-related events and natural disasters.
Relating to the response and resilience of certain electricity service providers to major weather-related events or other natural disasters; granting authority to issue bonds.