Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for public school students.
Impact
If enacted, HB 2846 will significantly alter statutes within the Texas Education Code, particularly surrounding parental notification and consent practices. School districts will be required to establish grievance procedures for parents to address issues and seek redress through civil action if unresolved. Additionally, schools can no longer adopt policies that encourage students to withhold information about their mental or emotional health from their parents. This measure promotes a more active role for parents in their children's educational journey.
Summary
House Bill 2846 seeks to enhance parental rights in the education system of Texas by prohibiting public schools from providing instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for students. The bill emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in decision-making processes related to their children's mental, emotional, and physical well-being, by mandating that school districts notify parents of any changes in services or monitoring related to their children's health.
Contention
This bill is likely to generate considerable debate. Supporters argue that it reinforces parental authority and safeguards children's traditional values, providing a clearer path for parents to be involved in educational matters. Conversely, opponents may contend that the bill could impede the inclusivity of diverse identities in educational environments, potentially marginalizing LGBTQ+ students. This divisive topic underscores broader societal debates about parental rights versus the rights of students to receive comprehensive education.
Notable_points
Section 4 of the bill explicitly prohibits instruction related to sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools, voicing concerns from certain communities about educational content. It also requires school districts to obtain written consent from parents for student participation in clubs that discuss sexuality, gender, or identity, emphasizing the need for transparency in these matters.
Identical
Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for public school students.
Same As
Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for public school students.
Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for public school students; authorizing a civil remedy.
Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for certain public school students.
Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting certain instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity; authorizing a civil penalty.
Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.
Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.
Relating to local school health advisory councils and instruction regarding human sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender identity provided by public schools.
Relating to dyslexia evaluations and services for public school students, the provision of services for students with dyslexia and related disorders, and certain parental notice regarding the rights of parents of public school students with disabilities.
Requires school districts to take certain actions in circumstances when school meal bill is in arrears; prohibits shaming students with school meal bills in arrears; prohibits certain district actions in collecting unpaid school meal fees.
Requires school districts to take certain actions in circumstances when school meal bill is in arrears; prohibits shaming students with school meal bills in arrears; prohibits certain district actions in collecting unpaid school meal fees.