HB 1043: Anti-LGBTQ Book Ban

This bill adds several amendments to the so-called “Parents Bill of Rights,” an anti-LGBTQ school censorship bill that was passed into law despite the governor’s veto in 2023.

Under current law, schools are required to notify parents prior to changing a child's name or pronoun in school records or used by school personnel. H1043 would require schools to obtain parent permission before using the student’s chosen name and pronouns.

Also under current law, instruction on gender identity, sexual activity, and sexuality is prohibited in K-4th grade. H1043 expands that prohibition to cover school library books, in an attempt to restrict access to books that include LGBTQ+ characters.

H1043 adds a requirement that schools provide written notice to parents before taking action on “sensitive matters,” which is not defined in the bill but examples include counseling on sexuality or gender identity and classroom or school-wide discussion on gender identity.

The bill also threatens to remove state funds from school districts that are not complying.