What's Happening to Libraries in Texas
Another bad year for libraries in Texas? Will more states follow their lead?
On January 14, 2025, the Texas Legislature commenced its 89th regular legislative session to set policy goals and it now leads all other states in pre-filed legislation that would ban books and incarcerate librarians.
We're tracking 14 anti-library and anti-reader bills in the state.
We know that Texas is one of the country's testing grounds for anti-library legislation and that many states have attempted to duplicate their legislation.
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The pre-filed legislation reveals that members are prioritizing vouchers that would reduce funding for public schools, criminalization bills that would punish librarians and teachers by eliminating affirmative defenses against prosecution, and legislation that targets booksellers by redefining “harmful materials” in the Texas Penal Code.
During the last legislative session, lawmakers passed HB900 to create a vendor rating system for school library materials and revise school library collection development standards.
If the past legislative session is any indication of how this session will proceed, Texans can expect a lengthy session of infighting and bureaucracy that will attempt to defund libraries and politicize reading.
Stop Legislation like this before it comes to your state by emailing your legislator today!
Censorship hinders democracy by taking away essential freedoms that Texans value.
Your donations have allowed us to support the Texas Freedom to Read Project with pro-bono consulting, training, funding, and digital tools, as they oppose legislation that criminalizes librarians, reduces funding for public education, and takes away local control from communities.
Please follow them for the most up-to-date information about what is happening to libraries and the freedom to read in Texas.