Bill > HB4002

This bill establishes a series of new parental rights and restrictions in public education, focusing on providing parents with more information and control over their children's educational and health-related experiences. The bill requires school districts to develop comprehensive notification procedures for parents regarding any changes in their child's mental, emotional, or physical health services, mandating that school employees encourage students to discuss their well-being with parents and facilitate such discussions. The legislation prohibits school districts from adopting procedures that discourage parental involvement or withhold health-related information from parents. Additionally, the bill explicitly forbids instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity in schools and requires parental written consent for students to participate in any student clubs that promote themes of sexuality, gender, or gender identity. School districts must provide parents with detailed information about health-related services, including the right to decline services, and are required to notify parents if a student's perception of their biological sex differs from their biological characteristics. The bill also establishes a grievance procedure that allows parents to file civil actions against school districts if they believe their rights have been violated, with potential court-awarded damages and attorney's fees. These provisions will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, aiming to enhance parental rights and limit certain types of instruction and student support services in public schools.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4002