TX HB5485

Expands prohibited library materials in school districts to include harmful material, sexually explicit material, materials rated sexually explicit by vendors, pervasively vulgar or educationally unsuitable content, and materials containing "profane content" (defined as grossly offensive language considered a public nuisance)

Changes school requirements from "encouraged" to "required" for providing library catalog transparency and communicating with parents about collection development

Grants any school district resident the right to challenge library materials they believe are prohibited or do not adhere to prevailing community standards for minors

Establishes civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation for school districts that violate library standards or whose employees violate collection development policies, with the Attorney General authorized to investigate and sue to collect penalties

Requires the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to adopt standards and the State Board of Education to establish criteria for determining educationally unsuitable material by January 1, 2026, with the law applying beginning in the 2026-2027 school year