ACTION ALERT

Protecting Students from Obscene Library Materials Bill Hearing Tuesday!

This Tuesday, March 21st , the READER Act (House Bill (H.B. 900 by Rep. Patterson) to protect public school students from obscene materials in school libraries, will be heard in the House Public Education Committee E2.036 at the Texas Capitol.

HB 900 would prevent public school libraries from acquiring or purchasing harmful or sexually explicit materials, or materials that are pervasively vulgar and educationally unsuitable. The bill also requires parental consent for students to access certain materials in school libraries, and establishes a mandatory book rating system for vendors selling materials to public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools.

The Texas House Public Education Committee will hear the READER Act, HB 900 by Patterson, this TUESDAY, March 21st in the Capitol Extension.

Parents of public school students across Texas have become increasingly alarmed about the books and content found in public school libraries that are extremely inappropriate and obscene in the public education system. HB 900 is a common sense solution to increase public school transparency and support parental rights while protecting children.

Here's how you can TAKE ACTION:

We need our supporters to join us in testifying or registering in favor of the HB 900 at the Texas Capitol on Tuesday, March 21st.  The hearing will begin at 8:00AM.  If you are testifying, you should plan to arrive at least 45 minutes early to have time to register.

When: 8:00 AM, Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Where: Texas Capitol Extension, E2.036 hearing room

You can view the official posting here.

Public testimony will be limited to 3 minutes per person.

Note: If you are providing written testimony, you can bring copies for each committee member (13 members), or you can submit written comments through the House Public Comment system here: https://comments.house.texas.gov/home?c=c400  

If you are driving to Austin, you can park at the Capitol Visitor's Parking Garage at 1201 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78701.

 Texas Values is one of the leading organizations on this issue and our policy team will be on site at the hearing, providing you all the support that you need, and step-by-step instructions. 

Please immediately contact us at [email protected] if you are able to attend the hearing and need help preparing, or if you have questions about bringing written testimony for the committee members.

We also need your help calling your Texas House Public Education Committee members, urging them to support HB 900:

Rep. Buckley (Chair) – (512) 463-0684
Rep. Allen (Vice Chair) - (512) 463-0744
Rep. Allison - (512) 463-0686
Rep. Cunningham (512) 463-0520
Rep. Dutton - (512) 463-0510
Rep. Harris - (512) 463-0730
Rep. Harrison - (512) 463-0516
Rep. Hefner - (512) 463-0271
Rep. Hinojosa - (512) 463-0668
Rep. King - (512) 463-0736
Rep. Longoria - (512) 463-0645
Rep. Schaefer - (512) 463-0584
Rep. Talarico - (512) 463-0821