The Texas House passed a bill supporting parental rights. The state’s Senate must now vote on an amendment to the bill before it heads to Governor Greg Abbott’s (R) desk.
“The fundamental rights granted to parents by their Creator and upheld by the United States Constitution, the Texas Constitution, and the laws of this state, including the right to direct the moral and religious training of the parent’s child, make decisions concerning the child’s education, and consent to medical, psychiatric, and psychological treatment of the parent’s child under Section 151.001, Family Code, may not be infringed on by any public elementary or secondary school or state governmental entity, including the state or a political subdivision of the state,” SB 12 declares.
Upon SB 12 passing the Senate in March, Sen. Brandon Creighton said, “Texas parents—the primary educators and decision-makers in their children’s lives—must have their rights clearly defined and protected in state law.”
“Most parents consider it common sense that they should have full access to their child’s education, be informed of curriculum content, and should have a grievance process they can count on,” the Republican explained. “Yet, in too many instances, these fundamental rights have been overlooked or undermined. SB 12 ensures that parental authority is not left to interpretation—it is firmly established in Texas law, safeguarding transparency, accountability, and a student-first approach in our schools.”
“It’s simple: parents matter. And in Texas, their rights WILL be protected,” Rep. Jeff Leach, one of the bill’s supporters, said on social media. “SB12 ensures transparency in curriculum, restores opt-in for human sexuality instruction, protects against radical DEI mandates, and guarantees parents full access to information about their child’s health, academics, and well-being.”
“The House passed the Parental Bill of Rights. BIG win for Texas families,” Abbott wrote on X. “Thanks to [Senator Brandon Creighton] & [Representative Jeff Leach] for championing this effort to keep parents in the driver’s seat of their kids’ education & ensure transparency. Look forward to signing this into law soon.”
