Bill > HB5485

This bill amends the Texas Education Code to establish more stringent standards for school district library collection development policies. The bill defines new categories of restricted materials, including "harmful material," "sexually explicit material," and "profane content," and requires school districts to create library policies that prohibit possession or acquisition of such materials. The policies must recognize parents as primary decision-makers regarding student library material access, mandate library catalog transparency, and require effective communication with parents. School districts are now responsible for identifying and removing prohibited materials, and residents can challenge library material inclusion if they believe it violates community standards or policy guidelines. The bill introduces a significant enforcement mechanism by allowing the attorney general to investigate violations and impose civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation. School districts must review and update their collection development policies at least every five years, and the State Board of Education is tasked with establishing specific criteria for determining which materials are educationally unsuitable. The new requirements will take effect for the 2026-2027 school year, with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and State Board of Education required to adopt necessary standards by January 1, 2026.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5485