BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

S.B. 1082

87R5624 MLH-D

By: Campbell

 

Education

 

4/21/2021

 

As Filed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Many school districts in Texas educate students on sexual education, which includes sexual health, sexual reproduction, sexuality, and other topics that parents often would like a say in directing for their child. Unfortunately, sometimes parents are unaware of the course material, or are not notified effectively about the course or curriculum, and therefore cannot make an informed decision on how to direct their child's education.

 

S.B. 1082 allows parents to request copies of the materials or curriculum for the sexual education course offered. The bill amends Sections 26.006(a) and (c), Education Code, making clear that parents are entitled to review their child's sexual education curriculum materials, repeals Section 28.004(j), which requires allowing only a "reasonable inspection" of sexual education materials, and requires school districts to notify parents in writing of their right to review sexual education materials.

 

As proposed, S.B. 1082 amends current law relating to parental access to curriculum materials used in a public school's human sexuality instruction.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Sections 26.006(a) and (c), Education Code, as follows:

 

(a) Provides that a parent is entitled to review all teaching materials, instructional materials, and other teaching aids used in the classroom of the parent's child, including curriculum materials used in any human sexuality instruction provided to the child.

 

(c) Redefines "instructional material" to provide that it includes curriculum materials used in human sexuality instruction.

 

SECTION 2. Amends Section 28.004(i), Education Code, as follows:�������

 

(i) Requires a school district, before each school year, to provide written notice to a parent of each student enrolled in the district of the board of trustees' decision regarding whether the district will provide human sexuality instruction to district students. Requires that the notice, if instruction will be provided, include:

 

(1) makes no changes;

 

(2) a statement of the parent's right to review curriculum materials as provided by Section 26.006 (Access to Teaching Materials), rather than Subsection (j).

 

SECTION 3. Repealer: Section 28.004(j) (relating to the requirement that a school district make available for reasonable public inspection all curriculum materials used in the human sexuality instruction), Education Code.

 

SECTION 4. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 2021-2022 school year.

 

SECTION 5. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2021.