S.B. No. 12 is a legislative bill aimed at amending the Texas Education Code to enhance parental rights in public education and limit the influence of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The bill introduces new sections, such as Section 1.007, which requires public schools to adhere to specific policies, and Section 1.009, which protects parental rights regarding their child's education unless a compelling state interest is demonstrated. Additionally, Section 11.005 prohibits DEI duties within school districts, and new provisions mandate that school districts develop parental engagement policies, ensure transparency regarding students' health and well-being, and require parental consent for certain health-related services.

The bill also establishes grievance procedures for parents to address violations of their rights, mandates annual compliance certifications from school superintendents, and prohibits instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in prekindergarten through 12th grade. Furthermore, it outlines requirements for student clubs, emphasizing that participation cannot be based on a student's sexual orientation or gender identity and necessitating parental consent. The provisions of this Act are set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year unless a two-thirds vote is achieved for immediate implementation. Overall, S.B. No. 12 seeks to reinforce parental involvement and accountability within Texas public schools.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 11.161, Education Code 12.104, Education Code 25.001, Education Code 25.036, Education Code 25.038, Education Code 26.001, Education Code 26.004, Education Code 26.008, Education Code 26.009, Education Code 26.011, Education Code 28.002, Education Code 28.0022, Education Code 28.004, Education Code 28.022 (Education Code 26, Education Code 12, Education Code 25, Education Code 11, Education Code 28)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 11.161, Education Code 12.104, Education Code 21.057, Education Code 25.001, Education Code 25.036, Education Code 25.038, Education Code 26.001, Education Code 26.004, Education Code 26.008, Education Code 26.009, Education Code 26.011, Education Code 28.002, Education Code 28.0022, Education Code 28.004, Education Code 28.022 (Education Code 26, Education Code 12, Education Code 25, Education Code 11, Education Code 21, Education Code 28)
Engrossed: Education Code 11.161, Education Code 12.104, Education Code 21.057, Education Code 25.001, Education Code 25.036, Education Code 25.038, Education Code 26.001, Education Code 26.004, Education Code 26.008, Education Code 26.009, Education Code 26.011, Education Code 28.002, Education Code 28.0022, Education Code 28.004, Education Code 28.022 (Education Code 26, Education Code 12, Education Code 25, Education Code 11, Education Code 21, Education Code 28)
House Committee Report: Education Code 11.1518, Education Code 11.161, Education Code 12.104, Education Code 21.057, Education Code 26.001, Education Code 26.004, Education Code 26.006, Education Code 26.008, Education Code 26.009, Education Code 26.011, Education Code 28.002, Education Code 28.0022, Education Code 28.004, Education Code 28.022 (Education Code 26, Education Code 12, Education Code 25, Education Code 11, Education Code 21, Education Code 28)
Enrolled: Education Code 11.1518, Education Code 11.161, Education Code 12.104, Education Code 21.057, Education Code 26.001, Education Code 26.004, Education Code 26.006, Education Code 26.008, Education Code 26.009, Education Code 26.011, Education Code 28.002, Education Code 28.0022, Education Code 28.004, Education Code 28.022 (Education Code 26, Education Code 12, Education Code 25, Education Code 11, Education Code 21, Education Code 28)