BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 497

By: Patterson

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill author has informed the committee that the sexualization of children in Texas has increased at an alarming rate. As an example, the bill author has informed the committee that school districts across Texas are contracting with private health clinics to provide their students with mental or behavioral health, contraceptives, and family planning treatment without receiving prior consent from the students' parents. The bill author has further informed the committee that it is a priority of the state to ensure that parents are the decision-makers regarding the education of children and that these personal treatments directly counter that priority. H.B. 497 would require a school district employee to receive the consent of a child's parent before providing the student with behavioral or mental health treatment, including treatments relating to family planning and human sexuality.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 497 amends the Education Code to require an employee of a public school district to obtain the written consent of a child's parent before the employee may provide the child with behavioral or mental health services or treatment, including the following:

· contraceptives, including emergency contraceptives; and

· informational materials on family planning, human sexuality, or mental health.

The bill applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2025.