According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), the only significant cost to the state is $191,689 for publishing the proposed constitutional amendment for the November 4, 2025 election. The LBB assumes that any additional administrative costs associated with the resolution can be absorbed within existing state resources.

Additionally, no significant fiscal impact is anticipated for local governments. The resolution does not mandate new spending or require structural changes to public education funding. It primarily affirms parental rights and access to educational choices without imposing additional costs on school districts or local education agencies.

SJR 12 proposes a constitutional amendment to enshrine parental rights in directing their child’s education within the Texas Bill of Rights. While many of these rights are already established in the Texas Education Code, elevating them to the Texas Constitution provides additional protection against legislative or regulatory changes that may restrict parental authority. The measure allows parents to make educational choices within public schools, opt for private or home-schooling, access school materials, attend governing board meetings, and review their child’s school and health records. It further ensures these rights cannot be denied or restricted based on disability status.

The proposed amendment aligns with core liberty principles, particularly individual liberty, personal responsibility, and limited government. By reinforcing parental control over education, the resolution limits government overreach while promoting parental engagement in their child’s academic and personal development.

This amendment is widely supported by parental rights advocates and school choice proponents. It aligns with the Republican Party of Texas (RPT) platform, which emphasizes parental authority in education and is also consistent with Libertarian principles of minimizing government control over family decisions. While Democratic perspectives favor strengthening public education oversight, this amendment does not alter funding structures or school operations—it simply reaffirms parental rights.

By providing constitutional protection for parental authority, SJR 12 reinforces foundational liberty principles and ensures long-term educational choice and transparency. As such, Texas Policy Research encourages lawmakers to vote YES on SJR 12.

• HJR 155 (Same As)