The proposed bill, known as the Right To Challenge Act, mandates that local school districts develop and publicly post policies regarding materials authorized for student use. Specifically, by November 1, 2026, each local school board must adopt a policy that outlines the types of materials permitted in schools and establish a procedure for addressing complaints from parents or guardians about materials deemed harmful, age-inappropriate, or otherwise offensive. The bill defines "material" broadly to include various forms of content such as books, videos, and performances, and requires that the policies and procedures be accessible on the district's website.
Additionally, the bill outlines a detailed complaint resolution process, which includes steps for parents to submit written complaints, timelines for investigations, and requirements for school principals to communicate their findings and decisions. The process allows for appeals to the school board, which must also make the challenged materials available to the public. All decisions made by school officials regarding complaints will be considered public records. The bill does not specify any fiscal impact but notes that compliance costs may vary by district and are indeterminable.