S.B. No. 13 is a legislative bill designed to enhance parental rights concerning access to school library materials in Texas. It amends Section 26.004(b) of the Education Code to grant parents the right to access records of library materials their children check out and introduces definitions for terms such as "harmful material," "indecent content," and "profane content." The bill requires school districts to implement procedures that allow parents to access library catalogs and submit lists of materials their children should not check out. Additionally, it encourages the establishment of local school library advisory councils to ensure that library materials align with community values and mandates their consultation on material acquisitions and removals.

The legislation also sets forth new regulations for the acquisition and review of library materials, requiring that proposed lists of materials be made public for at least 30 days before board approval. The board of trustees must review these lists in an open meeting, allowing board members to propose changes prior to a vote. Furthermore, the bill establishes a process for challenges to library materials, enabling parents, district employees, or residents to submit written challenges that the local advisory council must address within 90 days. Until a decision is made, students are prohibited from accessing challenged materials. The act is scheduled to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, with specific deadlines for policy adoption and standard development.

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