Bill > HB4381

This bill establishes comprehensive new requirements for parental rights and notifications in Texas public education, focusing primarily on health-related information and services. The Texas education agency must create a detailed document outlining parents' rights, including the ability to access their child's health records (such as counseling, psychological, and medical records), review health-related instructional materials, exempt their child from health screenings or activities that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs, and decline specific health services like psychological treatments or psychotropic medications. Schools must annually post this document on their websites, email it to parents, include it in enrollment materials, and provide it in the parent's native language. Additionally, schools must notify parents about all health-related services offered and provide at least 20 days' notice before any health screenings. The bill mandates that education agency staff complete training on these parental rights and establishes a complaint procedure for investigating potential violations. If a school district or charter school is found in violation, the agency can withhold state funding, assess administrative penalties, or take other corrective actions. The provisions will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, aiming to increase parental transparency and involvement in their children's educational and health experiences.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4381