AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 13 on second reading (final passage to come later), Guarding Against Inappropriate Books in Public Schools, by Sen. Angela Paxton, R-McKinney:

“Texas parents expect their child’s school library to have educational content, not sexual content or woke ideologies meant to indoctrinate our students. These types of books have no place in our schools and must not be tolerated. Students need access to books that are grade, age, and developmentally appropriate. I thank Sen. Paxton for her continued leadership on this crucial issue.”

Senate Bill 13, by Sen. Angela Paxton, increases parents’ oversight into their child’s education records, including school library materials. SB 13 modifies the definition of objectionable content to match the Federal Communications Commission’s definition and allows districts to further enhance restrictions if they choose. The bill requires school districts to establish a Local School Library Advisory Council (LSLAC) consisting of parents, educators, and community members to make recommendations on content available in school libraries. If enacted into law, this legislation applies beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.