Interview: Rep. Jared Patterson on READER Act, Property Tax Reform Debate, Energy Grid

Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco) joined The Texan’s reporter Cameron Abrams to discuss the READER Act, legislation he authored aimed at removing sexually explicit material from public school libraries.

Signed by Gov. Greg Abbott and set to become effective in September, the legislation will require library book vendors to rate applicable materials as “sexually explicit” or “sexually relevant.” 

“Ultimately, what [the new law] does is it eliminates explicit content and puts in parental controls over other content,” said Patterson. 

Patterson also discussed the ongoing debate between the House and Senate over property tax reform, and when he thinks the standoff will come to an end. 

“I think in the month of July, we will have this completed,” said Patterson. “All it takes is for both sides to come to the table in good faith.” 

Patterson also discussed the possible outcome of a special legislative session regarding school choice, as well as the legislature’s efforts to improve the reliability of the energy grid. 

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