AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 12 on second reading (final passage to come later), Establishing a Parental Bill of Rights, by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe:

“Parents are the single most important factor in the success of a child. I have championed public education since I entered elected office. In recent years, Texas parents have grown increasingly frustrated with their public schools’ woke indoctrination of their children’s education. Additionally, parents are pushing back against school boards’ indifference toward parental input, concerns, and complaints. Something must change.

“I prioritized SB 12 because parents must be empowered to have an even greater role in their children’s education. With more parental input and empowerment, Texas students will be better served by the public education system. I thank Sen. Creighton for his continued commitment to improving public education in Texas.”

Senate Bill 12, by Sen. Brandon Creighton, reasserts parents as the primary decision-makers in their child’s public school education by eliminating discriminatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) ideology in public schools, restricting teachings of sexual orientation and gender identity, simplifying public school transfers, and shortening the parent-ISD complaint process. Provisions of SB 12, if signed into law, take effect for the 2025-2026 school year.