S.B. No. 13 aims to enhance parental rights concerning access to school library materials and the establishment of local school library advisory councils in Texas. The bill amends Section 26.004(b) of the Education Code to grant parents the right to access records related to library materials their children obtain from school libraries. It introduces definitions for terms such as "harmful material," "indecent content," and "profane content," while clarifying that library materials do not include instructional materials. Additionally, the bill requires school districts to adopt procedures that allow parents to access library catalogs and submit lists of materials their children should not check out.

The legislation also mandates the creation of local school library advisory councils to ensure that community values are reflected in library catalogs. These councils will review library materials, make recommendations on acquisitions, and address challenges to library content. The bill establishes a process for challenges to library materials, allowing parents and residents to submit written challenges, which the local advisory council must address within 90 days. Furthermore, it requires that lists of proposed library materials be made public for at least 30 days before school board approval, and it prohibits students from accessing challenged materials until a decision is reached. The Texas Education Agency is tasked with adopting a model policy for library material acquisition, which must be implemented by the 2025-2026 school year.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 26.004, Education Code 33.021 (Education Code 26, Education Code 33)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 26.004, Education Code 33.021 (Education Code 26, Education Code 33)
Engrossed: Education Code 26.004, Education Code 33.021 (Education Code 26, Education Code 33)
House Committee Report: Education Code 26.004, Education Code 33.021 (Education Code 26, Education Code 33)
Enrolled: Education Code 26.004, Education Code 33.021 (Education Code 26, Education Code 33)