SB 126 Texas Senate · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to studies or surveys on children's sexual behavior conducted at or by a public primary or secondary school, a public institution of higher education, a prescription drug manufacturer, a research entity, or another person; creating criminal offenses; imposing civil penalties.

SB 126 prohibits public primary/secondary schools, public colleges, prescription drug manufacturers, and research entities from conducting studies or surveys about children's sexual behavior without written parental consent. It creates a state jail felony offense for violations and imposes civil penalties of $1,000-$5,000 per violation, collectible by the attorney general. The bill explicitly states it does not override existing prohibitions in education codes for schools and colleges. This directly affects school districts, universities, and organizations conducting research involving minors. The law requires parental consent for such studies but does not authorize new research types beyond the existing prohibitions.
Sub-Topics: K-12 Education
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Nov 12, 2024 Last action Feb 3, 2025
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Full legislative history

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Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Feb 3, 2025
Committee
Referred to Health & Human Services
upper
Feb 3, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Bob Hall
Bob Hall
RRepublican
TX
2