During the 89th legislative session, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 13, which significantly changes how public school libraries across the state select, review, and manage books and instructional materials. The law, which took effect on Sept. 1, creates new barriers to access and hands greater decision-making power to school boards and external, ostensibly parent-dominated councils.
Supporters argue that SB 13 strengthens parental oversight and protects students from “inappropriate” content. But for educators and librarians, the bill raises serious concerns about vague requirements, censorship, delays in access to educational resources, and the politicization of library collections.
What exactly does SB 13 require my district to do?
SB 13 states that school districts may establish a school library advisory council (SLAC) or local school library advisory councils (LSLAC) composed mostly of parents. If 10% of the parents in the district (or 50 parents, whichever is fewer) demand a SLAC, SB 13 mandates the councils be established.
These councils would be responsible for reviewing all new library acquisitions, whether purchased or donated, and recommending approval or rejection. Before any material could be added to a school library, it would have to be posted publicly for at least 30 days. After that, it would be reviewed in a public meeting and approved by the school board, which can override recommendations from librarians or the SLAC.
If a school district decides not to establish a SLAC, it must develop a procedure for adding or removing library books.
The law also mandates that any book formally challenged by a parent, employee, or community member must be pulled from circulation immediately, pending a full review. Decisions about challenged materials are ultimately made by the board, with the SLAC providing input (if it is established at the district).
The law prohibits books deemed “harmful,” “indecent,” or “profane,” though it leaves those terms undefined, opening the door to sweeping interpretations. This structure not only delays access to educational materials but also shifts authority away from trained professionals and toward politically sensitive, volunteer-driven processes.
Does SB 13 affect how I can teach or what students can read?
Yes, and in far-reaching ways. SB 13 removes much of the discretion that librarians and educators previously had to select instructional or supplementary materials.
While the bill does not directly restrict what teachers can assign in class, it narrows what is available in school libraries, limiting the resources students can access independently. Books with content related to race, gender identity, or sexuality may face increased scrutiny, especially given the vague language used in the bill. As a result, titles that reflect diverse perspectives or address difficult topics, whether fictional or academic, may be disproportionately targeted.
The removal of professional authority from librarians also creates uncertainty. Educators may find themselves fielding questions from students about why certain books are no longer available, or navigating a curriculum that no longer aligns with the library’s offerings. In addition, the politicized nature of the advisory councils means that instructional support staff may now operate in a climate of increased caution, even fear.
Rather than fostering open inquiry, the law encourages preemptive self-censorship and could chill the educational environment in schools across the state.
What do we do now about SB 13?
SB 13 was not drafted to address any specific problem. The confusing and burdensome law was fought by library professionals and educators throughout the state; their advocacy included a letter with over 6,000 signatures from board trustees, superintendents, and district administrators expressing their concerns about SB 13 and how it could harm our schools and students.
Parents, students, and concerned community members can help advocate for students’ rights to read by encouraging your school district to reject local school library advisory councils. Our allies at Texas Freedom Network offer an advocacy toolkit and our allies at the Texas Freedom to Read Project offer key recommendations for school boards and administrators. For Texas AFT members, any questions or concerns should be directed to your local union or Texas AFT’s Associate Membership Program.