The bill, S.B. No. 1702, aims to enhance parental involvement in their children's education by requiring school districts to 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. Additionally, it introduces a new Section 26.017, which mandates that school districts notify parents via email whenever their child borrows a library material, including the title and author of the item.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that before each school year, school districts must inform parents of their option to opt out of these notifications. The districts are also required to maintain an updated list of parents to be notified and to process any opt-out requests promptly. The provisions of this act 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)