The Texas Senate has introduced a new bill aimed at giving parents more control over the books available in public school libraries. Senate Bill 13 (SB 13), filed by Sen. Angela Paxton (R-McKinney), proposes a structured process for parental involvement in school library collections and policies, adding another layer of oversight in response to ongoing debates about "inappropriate" materials in schools.
At the heart of SB 13 is the creation of local advisory councils dedicated to overseeing school library content. The bill also outlines a formal process for parents to challenge specific books, requiring schools to temporarily remove disputed materials from student access until a final decision is made. Additionally, the legislation establishes clear definitions for terms like “harmful material,” “indecent content,” and “profane content.”
“Parents across Texas are rightfully concerned about some of the materials available to their children in school libraries,” Paxton stated in a press release. “While progress was made last session, more must be done to create clear standards and strengthen safeguards.”
SB 13 was recently added to the Texas Senate’s priority legislation list by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick under the title “Guarding Against Inappropriate Books in Public Schools.” The bill follows last year’s passage of House Bill 900, also known as the Restricting Explicit and Adult-Designated Educational Resources (READER) Act, which bans library vendors from selling “sexually explicit” materials to public schools. However, HB 900 has faced multiple legal challenges, sparking controversy over its implementation.
One of the most notable debates centered around the removal of the full text of the Bible from Canyon Independent School District (ISD) due to HB 900. After public backlash, the Bible was reinstated, with Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), the bill’s author, clarifying that religious texts were protected under the law.
The discussion over what books should be accessible in school libraries has remained a divisive issue in Texas, with parents, educators, and lawmakers weighing in on the balance between free access to information and age-appropriate content. Supporters of SB 13 argue it strengthens parental rights and ensures transparency in school libraries, while critics worry about the potential for censorship and the broader implications of restricting educational resources.
