Overview

• The F.U.R.R.I.E.S. Act, introduced by Rep. Stan Gerdes, seeks to ban so-called 'non-human' behaviors in Texas schools, such as wearing animal ears or meowing.
• During a recent hearing, Gerdes admitted he could not provide evidence of schools accommodating students identifying as animals, including the use of litter boxes.
• Smithville Superintendent Cheryl Burns publicly denied any incidents of students behaving as furries or the presence of litter boxes in her district, contrary to Gerdes's claims.
• Critics, including Rep. James Talarico, argue the bill is based on debunked conspiracy theories and serves as a political attack on public schools to promote private school vouchers.
• The pending legislation would amend the family code to classify allowing such behaviors as child abuse, with fines ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 for schools found in violation.