FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2025
CONTACT: Emily Witt (she/her), emily@tfn.org
AUSTIN, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott late last night signed Senate Bill 13 into law, legislation that overhauls how public school library materials are selected and reviewed.
The bill creates “local school library advisory councils” to evaluate both new and existing materials, mandates expanded parental access to school library catalogs, and allows parents to individually restrict their child’s access to specific books. Final decisions on school library content would rest with local school boards, not library professionals.
Texas Freedom Network Political Director Rocío Fierro-Pérez (she/her) issued the following response:
“By signing SB 13 into law, Governor Abbott has handed extremists a roadmap to censorship. This law empowers a vocal minority to impose their worldview on all Texas students by banning books that reflect LGBTQIA+ lives, communities of color, and other underrepresented perspectives.
“Texas students deserve access to the full spectrum of human experience and knowledge, not a sanitized version approved by political ideologues. The Governor has chosen fear over freedom and silenced stories that help kids feel seen, understood, and inspired. By putting school boards and politically appointed councils in charge of library content, this law overrides the expertise of educators and librarians, favoring ideological control.
“Our public schools should be places where curiosity is encouraged, not stifled. Where learning is expansive, not limited by fear. And where students of every background can find validation, empathy, and understanding. Instead, this law pushes us toward a future where fear wins, where diversity is demonized, and where young Texans grow up in an environment of repression instead of respect.”
While the 89th Regular Texas Legislative Session has come to a close, Texas Freedom Network’s advocacy for public education, LGBTQIA+ equality, and freedom from censorship will continue. The organization will educate Texans about policies affecting their lives, track the effects of legislation on our students, and engage in organizing at the Texas State Board of Education, ensuring Texans have a voice when student curricula and access to library materials are being debated and voted upon.
In 2026, Texas Freedom Network and our youth project, Texas Rising Action, will endorse candidates for progressive change and mobilize Texans to the ballot box.
