Based on two new laws, the experience in Texas schools will change for students and their families. Although both regulations formally came into effect in September 2025, since January 1st there is a manual that explains to parents the rights regarding the education of their children. The rule also requires school board members to undergo training.
What rights does SB 12 give to parents in Texas?
According to what the text of the law provides, a regulation that establishes a series of rights for parents and restricts certain actions of educational institutions.
In accordance with what was approved by Texas legislators, the rule has the following keys:
- It recognizes the fundamental right of parents to direct moral and religious education of their children, make educational decisions and give opinions on medical treatments.
- These guarantees cannot be violated by the state or schoolsunless it is for a compelling state interest, such as saving the child’s life.
- Besides, Parents have the right to choose the educational modality: public, private or homeschooling.
- Texas schools must publish curriculum at the beginning of each semester and the information must be accessible to families.
- In case a student’s physical or mental health changes or is affected, Institutions must notify immediately to the parents.
- It is established a complaints system with defined deadlineswhich prohibits any retaliation against families for filing a claim.
Additionally, Texas law also establishes certain restrictions regarding gender and to the education that students receive on this topic.
The restrictions that SB 12 imposes on Texas schools
In addition to establishing the rights of parents over the education of their children, the legislation also establishes some rules that schools must follow from the Lone Star State:
- Educational institutions have prohibited from using the criteria of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for differential hiring or treatment based on race or sex.
- The students Kindergarten through 12th grade cannot have classes o activities about sexual orientation o gender identity.
- School staff have prohibited from assisting a student in what the law defines as “social transition”. This includes the use of names or pronouns that do not correspond to the student’s biological sex.
SB 204 in Texas: the mandatory manual on parental rights
The text of the ley SB 204 works as an obligation to generate a document in which families can know what SB 12 indicates in a simple way. According to the standard, from the January 1st It is an obligation for the state to have the manual of parental rights in educational matters.
On the other hand, it also establishes a Mandatory training on these topics for board members of school districts. Those who are already in office They have time until September 1st as the deadline to complete this instruction.