The Senate Education Committee will convene a meeting to hear invited and public testimony on Leiutenant Govenor Dan Patrick's Interim Charges including SB 12 and SB 13- laws passed during the 89th legislative session that have already had a serious impact on public school classrooms and libraries.
In case you need a refresher, SB 12 prohibits teaching topics considered “DEI” and bans student-led gender/sexuality alliance and LGBTQ+ pride clubs- among a bunch of other things. And SB 13 allows school boards to establish “school library advisory councils” to root out “profane” and “indecent” content in schools.
As you likely know, if you've been impacted by either of these laws- they're doing far more harm than good for Texas students, parents, and educators.
This upcoming meeting provides an opportunity for you to share your feedback with the Senate Education Committee and register your concerns into Texas's public record. This hearing will likely set the stage for the legislature's education priorities during the 90th Legislative Session which begins in January 2027.
Provide In-Person Verbal or Deliver Written Comments about SB 12 and/or SB 13: Wednesday, October 7 at 8 AM
How to provide testimony to the Texas Senate Education Committee:
- In-person verbal testimony: Witnesses will be given 2 minutes to make their public comment. You will need to declare your name, and which bill(s) you are speaking about.
- Written testimony: the Texas Senate Committees do not accept remote or online written testimony. If you wish to provide formal written testimony in place of, or to supplement verbal testimony, you must hand deliver 10 printed copies to the Committee Clerk during the senate committee meeting. Include your name, address, and your feedback about the bill(s).
- Be prepared to stay all day- bring food, water, chargers, electronics, books, and patience. The agenda for the Education Committee Meeting is here.
Witnesses (you!) will need to arrive at the Texas Capitol and make your way to room E1.028 (located underground, in the Capitol Extension) and sign in on a kiosk outside the room before the meeting begins. Paid parking is available at the Capitol Garage found at 1201 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701.
Finally, whether you're coming to speak, or just want to show your support for those who are, please wear BLUE for BOOKS! (or wear your favorite Book Lover/Book Ban fighting apparel!) Committee Meetings are open to the public- you do not have to be speaking to attend.
Email the Senate K-16 Education Committee
If you can't testify in person, or hand deliver written testimony next Wednesday, you can email the committee members ahead of the meeting.
Email them using these email addresses, or the forms located on each of their websites:
About Texas Freedom to Read Project
Texas Freedom to Read Project is a parent-founded, parent-led 501c3 nonprofit organization. Texas Freedom to Read Project supports, connects, and mobilizes parent and community led initiatives fighting for student rights and against censorship and book bans in Texas.
If you value the advocacy we do, please consider supporting our volunteer efforts with your dollars. Donate here.
