At a news conference on the Capitol grounds, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick urged the state legislature to adopt a measure that would lower a school’s annual performance rating when a library is found to contain a book deemed vulgar or pornographic. Patrick displayed printed covers of several titles he said are currently on the shelves of Texas public schools despite the 2025 law, Senate Bill 13, that empowers school boards to act on complaints.
Background on the 2025 law
Senate Bill 13, passed last year, shifted authority over library collections from librarians to elected school boards. The bill requires boards to review complaints from parents or community groups and to remove books that are considered lewd, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate for students. Until now, Patrick says most districts have taken no action, leaving the books in place.
“It’s the law and we expect you to follow the law. So we’re coming for the books,” Patrick said, adding that the state would not ban any titles but would not use taxpayer money to purchase them for schools.
Proposed penalty structure
Under the lieutenant governor’s proposal, a school that is found to have even a single prohibited book could be docked an entire letter grade in the state’s accountability system – for example, moving from an “A” rating to a “B”. The rating system is tied to state oversight; schools that fall below certain thresholds can be placed under state control.
Patrick emphasized that the measure is intended to protect children from material that many parents find offensive. He cited polling that suggests more than 90 percent of parents and grandparents would not want their children exposed to depictions of masturbation or graphic images of genitalia.
Response from educators and advocates
Librarians and childhood‑literacy advocates warned that the proposal could limit access to books that reflect the lived experiences of diverse students, including those dealing with LGBTQ+ identity or racial issues. They argue that such titles can be vital for students who see themselves represented in literature and that many families cannot afford to purchase these books privately.
Critics also noted that the rating penalty could accelerate state takeovers of districts already struggling academically, adding another layer of political pressure on local school boards.
Political context
The initiative arrives as part of a broader effort by Texas Republicans to tighten control over school curricula and library collections. Patrick, who presides over the Texas Senate, is expected to champion the bill as he seeks re‑election later this year against state Rep. Vikki Goodwin, a Democrat from Austin.
While Patrick stressed that the proposal does not constitute a ban on books, he reiterated that families should have the choice to purchase any titles they wish, but that public funds should not be used to provide material deemed obscene.
The proposal will be introduced in the upcoming legislative session, where it is likely to generate debate among lawmakers, parents, and education professionals about the balance between parental rights, educational freedom, and state oversight.
Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
