According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), SB 371 is not expected to have a significant fiscal impact on the state government or local school districts. The costs associated with implementing the bill, such as administering and tracking parental consent forms, can be absorbed using existing resources within the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and school district administrative budgets.

Since the bill only requires written parental consent before a student can participate in human sexuality instruction, it does not impose new teaching requirements, curriculum changes, or financial burdens on school districts. Any administrative adjustments, such as sending out separate consent forms and tracking responses, are expected to be minor and manageable within existing school operational budgets.

Overall, SB 371 does not create any new funding obligations for the state nor require additional appropriations. Likewise, local governments and school districts are not anticipated to face significant financial strain, as the administrative work involved is already a routine function of school administration.

SB 371 seeks to enhance parental control over their children's education by shifting the current opt-out model for human sexuality instruction in public schools to an opt-in model. This change ensures that written parental consent is obtained before a student receives instruction on sexual health, reproduction, or other related topics. By amending Section 28.004 of the Texas Education Code, the bill mandates that school districts cannot bundle the consent request with other notifications and must provide it at least 14 days in advance of instruction.

This legislation aligns with core liberty principles, particularly individual liberty, personal responsibility, and limited government. It empowers parents by ensuring they actively approve their child’s participation in sensitive coursework rather than relying on potentially overlooked notifications. Additionally, it reduces the possibility of unintended exposure to material that may conflict with a family's values or beliefs.

Furthermore, SB 371 does not create any new rulemaking authority for state agencies and has no significant fiscal impact on local school districts or the state. Given its clarity in strengthening parental rights, lack of financial burden, and alignment with principles of limited government, Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on SB 371.

• HB 1158 (Same As)
• SB 87 (Same As)