Texas Legislature Enacts School Library Book Restrictions, Expands Parental Control

Texas lawmakers are advancing Senate Bill 13, which would give school boards and parents greater control over public school library materials by allowing them to remove books deemed “indecent” or “sexually explicit,” and require a public review period before new materials are approved. The bill has sparked debate, with Republicans arguing it protects students from inappropriate content, while Democrats warn that vague language could lead to bans on classic literature such as "Catcher in the Rye" and "Romeo and Juliet." SB 13 also allows for parental advisory councils to review library content if a petition by 20% of parents is submitted, a change from the original Senate version that mandated such councils. Concurrently, other education-related bills include Senate Bill 12, which bans diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in public school hiring and training and tightens parental consent requirements for topics like sex education and mental health services, raising concerns about limiting minority and LGBTQ+ student supports. Additionally, safety measures like Senate Bill 1177 are being pushed to ensure automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are properly maintained in schools following a student death. These legislative efforts reflect a broader focus on parental rights, school safety, and curriculum control in Texas schools.