Texas Senate Holds Hearing on Bills to Address Pornographic Books and Parental Rights
Austin, TX – February 27, 2025: Today, the Texas Senate Committee on K-16 Education will have a public hearing and consider bills that will keep pornographic books out of public-school libraries and address other parental rights concerns. The Texas Legislature passed HB 900 last session in order to address pornographic books in school libraries, but parts of that law were enjoined by the courts, with the injunction upheld by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Since then, many parents have continued to face issues when asking schools to remove sexually explicit library books from the school libraries. Senator Angela Paxton’s bill SB 13, which address some of the unresolved issues with keeping the sexually explicit materials in the libraries, will be heard today.
Additionally, the Senate Education Committee will consider SB 371 by Senator Donna Campbell which would make it a permanent policy for schools to ask a student’s parent permission before giving human sexuality instruction.
Mary Elizabeth Castle, Director of Government Relations said:
“Parents want to see sexually explicit books removed from school libraries. The process should be clear and easy to navigate. I am confident that the Texas Senate can find a way to create policies that survive legal challenges and can ensure children are protected from harmful materials”
Texas Values has led the efforts since the 2023 Legislative Session in keeping pornographic books out of school libraries. During the interim session in 2024, Texas Values Government Relations Director Mary Elizabeth Castle provided expert testimony to the Senate Education Committee and will return as an invited expert today.
Texas Values has led the efforts over the past decade on stopping radical sex education in school districts and assisting parents with complicated grievance processes. Members of the Texas Values policy team will be testifying on a number of bills related to education and parental rights in the Senate Education Committee today.
Texas Values policy team is available for comment. Please contact Ashley at media@txvalues.org or 737-314-2450 (m) to schedule an interview.
###
About Texas Values
Texas Values is the largest statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to standing for faith, family, and freedom in Texas. More information is available at txvalues.org.