Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB86

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for public school students.

Impact

If enacted, SB86 would amend the Texas Education Code, placing strict limitations on what public schools can teach concerning sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill mandates that parents must provide written consent for their children’s participation in any student clubs or activities that address these themes. This change is expected to significantly alter the landscape of public education, affecting curricular decisions as well as the type of supportive environments schools can foster for students exploring their identities.

Summary

SB86 is a legislative proposal focused on reinforcing parental rights within public education. It aims to prohibit instruction related to sexual orientation and gender identity for public school students. The bill is intended to ensure that parents are informed and have a say regarding their children’s educational experiences, particularly regarding matters touching upon sensitive themes of sexuality and identity. This legislation underscores a growing emphasis on parental control and transparency in educational settings, which have been contentious issues in recent years.

Contention

The bill is likely to incite significant debate among stakeholders. Supporters argue that SB86 protects parental rights and promotes a traditional view of education, which seeks to shield children from exposure to topics they deem inappropriate. On the contrary, opponents contend that the bill could lead to stigmatization of LGBTQ+ students and restrict vital discussions that promote acceptance and understanding. This legislative effort encapsulates the wider national conversation regarding education, individual rights, and the role of parents versus the schools.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 26. Parental Rights And Responsibilities
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 28. Courses Of Study; Advancement
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 12. Charters
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB2846

Identical Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for public school students.

TX HB4002

Same As Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for public school students.

Previously Filed As

TX SB393

Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for public school students; authorizing a civil remedy.

TX HB1155

Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for certain public school students.

TX HB1541

Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting certain instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity; authorizing a civil penalty.

TX SB77

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

TX HB890

Relating to 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 SB1072

Relating to local school health advisory councils and instruction regarding human sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender identity provided by public schools.

TX HB4017

Relating to human sexuality education in public schools.

TX HB3928

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.

Similar Bills

NJ A4109

Requires school districts to adopt policies concerning needs of transgender students.

NJ A5055

Establishes "Students with Communication Disabilities' Bill of Rights."

SC H3758

Student expression of religious viewpoints

NJ A1821

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.

NJ A2580

"Children Innocence Protection Act."

NJ A4042

"Children Innocence Protection Act."

NJ A1600

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.

NJ S1763

Permits advanced practice nurse to provide documentation to school district of need for home instruction due to student's health condition.