Overview

• Senate Bill 12 cleared both chambers and prohibits public K-12 schools from sponsoring or authorizing clubs organized around sexual orientation or gender identity.
• The legislation also bars any instruction or programming on sexual orientation or gender identity and forbids broader diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
• Backers dub it the Parental Bill of Rights, asserting it restores parents’ authority over moral, religious and educational decisions affecting their children.
• Democratic lawmakers and LGBTQ+ advocates argue the ban endangers student well-being by removing safe spaces and limiting access to supportive resources.
• With final passage secured, the bill awaits Gov. Greg Abbott’s signature to become law and take effect September 1, 2025.