3 Things To Know About SB 13 and New Library Book Requirements

The Texas Association of School Boards has released two model policies to support school districts as they navigate Senate Bill 13, a new law that reshapes how Texas public schools select, review, and approve library materials.  

The law takes effect ahead of the 2025-26 school year and includes significant changes to library governance, even as policy guidance from the Texas Education Agency and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission remains forthcoming. 

“SB 13 changes much of the way library materials are acquired and challenged, but it also changes the way parents see and control what their children may check out of the library,” said Amanda Bigbee, TASB Policy Service division director. “We know these changes are going to require a lot of new processes and district work, and we know time is of the essence as the school year is already underway for some school districts. TASB Policy Service worked quickly to get model language to member districts fast enough to allow for timely board adoption.”  

TASB Policy Service developed model language to help districts meet their obligations under the law’s tight implementation timeline. At the heart of SB 13 is the creation of a School Library Advisory Council (SLAC), a local body designed to provide recommendations on proposed library materials as well as policies and processes relating to library acquisition and challenges. SLACs come with extensive procedural requirements but are optional unless a qualifying parental petition is submitted. 

3 Things To Know About SB 13 

1. The SLAC is optional — until it’s not. 
   Districts are not required to create a SLAC unless enough parents formally petition for one. However, districts may choose to establish a SLAC voluntarily and then must be prepared to follow all requirements outlined in SB 13. 
2. Parent rights have expanded — SLAC or not. 
   Regardless of whether a district establishes a SLAC, the law grants parents increased transparency and control over their child’s access to library materials. 
3. Board approval is now required for all library materials — SLAC or not. 
   Whether donated or purchased, all library books must now be publicly listed for at least 30 days before the school board can approve them, and the board must approve all library material acquisitions. 

As school districts await TEA’s model policies — expected later this month — and continued rulemaking from TSLAC into the spring, TASB encourages districts to view the current model language as a starting point. Boards are welcome to adapt the language to meet their local needs. 

For in-depth policy training resources, including on-demand and live webinars, visit tasb.org/policy-webinars.