By: Paxton, Middleton S.J.R. No. 29

(In the Senate - Filed January 12, 2023; February 17, 2023, read first time and referred to Committee on Education; April 11, 2023, reported adversely, with favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 9, Nays 2; April 11, 2023, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.J.R. No. 29 By: Bettencourt

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

proposing a constitutional amendment establishing a parent's right to direct a child's education.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Article I, Texas Constitution, is amended by adding Section 36 to read as follows:

Sec. 36. (a) In this section, "parent" means a natural parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, legal guardian, or other legal custodian of a child.

(b) A parent has the right to direct the education of the parent's child, including the right to:

(1) make reasonable choices within the public school system;

(2) choose an alternative to public education, such as a private school, including a parochial school or home school;

(3) access and view public school teaching materials, textbooks and other instructional materials, and library books;

(4) attend meetings of the governing body of a public school; and

(5) access public school student records for the parent's child, including the child's student health records.

(c) The rights described by Subsection (b) of this section may not be denied or restricted because the parent or the child is an individual with a disability.

(d) The legislature by general law may provide for processes to ensure that the rights described by Subsection (b) of this section are upheld.

SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 7, 2023. The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the proposition: "The constitutional amendment establishing a parent's right to direct a child's education."

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