At a news conference on the Texas Capitol steps, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick introduced a proposal that would dock the annual performance rating of any public school found to have a single book on its library shelves that violates Texas’ 2025 law against lewd material. The proposal would allow the state education agency to lower a school’s letter grade – for example, moving an “A” school to a “B” – and could trigger state takeovers of districts that repeatedly fall short.
Background on the 2025 law
Senate Bill 13, enacted in 2025, gave school boards the authority to approve or remove books based on complaints from parents, community members, or activist groups. Prior to that, the decision‑making power rested largely with school librarians. Patrick said that, despite the law’s intent, the majority of Texas school boards have taken no action to remove prohibited titles.
Books cited as examples
During the press event, easels displayed covers of several titles that Patrick described as “so filthy, so dirty, so vulgar, so pornographic.” He declined to open the books, citing respect for the women present, but noted that the titles are currently listed on the shelves of some Texas schools even though they are barred from state prisons. Patrick claimed that more than 90 percent of parents and grandparents would not want their children exposed to these works, which he said include graphic depictions of masturbation and explicit genital imagery.
Proposed enforcement mechanism
Under the lieutenant governor’s plan, the Texas Education Agency would conduct spot checks of school libraries. If a prohibited book is found, the school could lose an entire letter grade in the state’s accountability system. A lower rating can lead to increased state oversight and, in extreme cases, a takeover of the district’s management.
Political context
The proposal arrives amid a multi‑year effort by Texas Republicans to curb the presence of books that discuss LGBTQ+ topics, race, and sexuality. Critics, including librarians and childhood‑literacy advocates, argue that such titles provide representation for students whose experiences are otherwise absent from mainstream literature and that removing them limits educational choice.
Response from stakeholders
School officials and library associations have warned that the rating penalty could pressure districts to over‑censor collections, potentially violating students’ First Amendment rights. Some parents expressed support for stricter oversight, saying they want greater control over what their children read.
Upcoming legislative action
Patrick, who presides over the Texas Senate, indicated that the measure will be introduced in the upcoming legislative session. He emphasized that the state does not ban books outright, noting, “You can buy any book you want to buy if you want it,” but stressed that taxpayer funds should not be used to purchase material deemed obscene.
Election implications
The lieutenant governor is seeking re‑election later this year and will face Democratic state Rep. Vikki Goodwin of Austin in November. The book‑rating proposal is expected to feature prominently in campaign discussions, highlighting the broader cultural debate over parental rights, educational content, and state authority.
Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
