Dozens of Texas GOP lawmakers are asking Gov. Greg Abbott to add legislation protecting minors from sexually explicit materials in public libraries to his special session agenda.
State Rep. Daniel Alders (R–Tyler) and 38 other Republicans in the Texas House signed the June 30 request to Abbott.
Alders filed legislation during this year’s regular session, House Bill 3225, that would have required municipal public libraries to move sexually explicit content out of sections for children and keep minors from checking out such materials without parental consent.
The House approved HB 3225 with strong bipartisan support, but the Senate failed to vote on the measure before the session ended.
Abbott has since called a special session of the 89th Legislature to begin on July 21.
“The time is now to protect our children,” Alders posted to X.
“Right now, taxpayer-funded libraries across Texas have sexually explicit books placed in sections specifically for minors. These books don’t just have vague allusions and references to sex, but have graphic depictions of sexual conduct,” wrote Alders.
“No child should be given such filth to read, and we certainly shouldn’t allow these books to be placed alongside other age-appropriate books where unsuspecting children will stumble across them without their parents’ awareness,” he added.
The letter from lawmakers noted that under Abbott’s leadership, Texas has “made great strides in protecting children, especially in public spaces funded by taxpayer dollars.”
“By adding this to the call for the special session, you will be giving the legislature another opportunity to fight the rampant sexualization of our children. For their sake, this issue should not be left waiting for another two years,” the letter concluded.
Abbott may add items to the special session agenda at any time. A special session can last up to 30 days and is limited to topics selected by the governor.
