The bill, S.B. No. 1702, aims to enhance parental involvement in their children's education by mandating that school districts notify parents each time their child checks out a school library material. Specifically, the bill amends Section 12.104(b) of the Education Code to include a new provision (Z) that establishes a parent's right to receive notice regarding school library materials obtained by their child, as outlined in the newly added Section 26.017. This section requires school districts to notify parents via email about the title and author of any library material their child borrows, while also providing an option for parents to opt out of these notifications.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that school districts must inform parents at the beginning of each school year about their right to opt out of receiving these notifications. The school districts are also tasked with maintaining an updated list of parents to be notified and ensuring that opt-out requests are processed promptly. The provisions of this bill will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 12.104 (Education Code 12)