Local bookstore owners are joining forces to oppose bill HB 1375, which threatens the future of independent bookstores. Utilizing social media and protests at the Capitol, big-name stores and independent stores alike are collaborating to save their businesses and protect our freedom of speech.
“Texans don’t want baseless lawsuits or obstacles for small business owners. HB 1375 simply doesn’t make sense — it prohibits something that’s already illegal. For independent booksellers, responsible community members who are in business to serve their neighbors and share their passion for books, HB 1375 and the frivolous lawsuits it enables put their businesses at risk,” says Philomena Polefrone, Associate Director of Free Expression at American Booksellers Association, as reported by Chron.
What is HB 1375?
House Bill 1375, introduced by Rep. Nate Schatzline (R-Fort Worth), would create civil liability for any “commercial entity” — including bookstores, libraries, and other retailers — that “distributes, transmits, or displays harmful material to a minor.” The bill references Texas Penal Code definitions for “obscenity” and “harmful material,” but it’s easy to see that these terms remain vague and open to broad interpretation.
Under the bill, minors or their parents could sue bookstores for damages, court costs, and attorney’s fees for each instance of alleged harm. The law would allow multiple lawsuits for the same book if more than one person claims injury, dramatically increasing the legal risk.
“As lawmakers, we have a duty to safeguard families and children from exploitation and from the unchecked spread of harmful material in our communities and offline,” Schatzline said. Those who support the bill insist it is a necessary step to prevent children from being exposed to inappropriate material when they’re not in school.
Legal Implications
Advocates for the bill argue that it creates a “civil remedy” for families harmed by exposure to obscene material and doesn’t infringe on protected speech. While the bill does include exemptions for news organizations and internet service providers, it opens the door for politically motivated litigation.
For the past five years, Texas families have been told that removing books from public schools isn’t a ban since they can still buy any books they want from bookstores. House Bill 1375 serves as a powerful reminder of their underlying plan. We must stand for our right to access knowledge and truth.
The Legislative Budget Board has concluded that HB 1375 would have no significant fiscal impact on the government. However, we all know that privately owned bookstores would feel the impact most, especially those who champion diverse literature and ensure their shelves have a well-stocked banned book section. The Texas Freedom to Read Project warns that even baseless lawsuits can damage a bookstore’s reputation, draining its resources and driving it out of business.
The increased risk of lawsuits will make it harder for retailers to do business in our local communities and in Texas as a whole. What school district is going to work with a bookseller accused (falsely or not!) of distributing “harmful materials to minors?”
— TX Freedom to Read Project (@TXFreedomRead) April 21, 2025
Half Price Books: Leading the Fight
Half Price Books, the Dallas-based bookstore chain with over 120 locations nationwide, has stepped up as a leading opponent to HB 1375. President Kathy Doyle Thomas called the bill “a threat to all booksellers,” concerned that it would force stores to read and rate every book for sexual content. Booksellers stayed over 12 hours at the Capitol to testify against the bill.
As someone who frequents Half Price Books, it’s good to know that they maintain a strong community presence advocating for intellectual freedom. Their diverse selection of books, from classics to contemporary works, allows readers to explore various ideas and perspectives. Hosting events such as author signings and book clubs also helps to expand the culture surrounding books that we all love.
“How do we know in all of these books that we have in all of the stores across the state — we donʼt know whatʼs inappropriate. They could be inappropriate in Corpus Christi compared to Dallas, Texas,” Doyle Thomas said, highlighting the subjective nature of what different communities might consider “harmful.”
The Booksellers’ Perspective and The Human Element
For many Texans, bookstores are more than just retail outlets. They are safe spaces where we can go to foster connection with our fellow bookworms. They are places we go when we’re feeling joyous, when we need a pick-me-up, and when we want a good book to escape into. Not only that, but bookshops often host a wealth of social events for continued growth in the community.
For Nowhere Bookshop in San Antonio, they can even become wedding venues. When asked about HB 1375, co-owner Elizabeth Jordan discussed how brick-and-mortar bookstores have made a comeback in the last five years. Jordan has noticed customers buying escapist novels, pragmatic choices, and dystopian classics such as The Handmaid’s Tale or 1984. All of these could easily be turned against the bookstore in a series of legal disputes.
Arlene Kasselman, owner of Seven and One Books, expressed concern about being able to stay open. “A bill like this potentially has the effect that small bookstores will close their doors because they can’t afford the lawsuits.” She recalled South Africa, seeing this bill as a form of censorship akin to the censorship of books and TV from her time living there.
Claudio Maceo, manager of The Twig Book Shop in San Antonio, called the bill shocking. “I mean, I could read something and not even notice a problem and you might read something and be horrified,” she said. “It’s all about perception.”
The Broader Censorship Trend
Texas is not alone in fighting against book bans. Across the United States, bans have surged, with many of them targeting LGBTQ+ themes, racial justice, and other controversial topics. According to PEN America, Texas challenged over 500 books in schools and libraries over the 2023-2024 school year.
Considering that section 43.24 of the Texas Penal Code describes “harmful materials” vaguely, Texas Freedom to Read co-founder Anne Russey said, “For example, to walk into a bookstore and if the child picks up a book that the parent decides they have a problem with, they could kind of raise a frivolous claim, like, oh, that book is harmful to minors under this law.”
Lawmakers have already passed legislation stopping school libraries from stocking books that “describe or depict sexual conduct” unless required by the curriculum. HB 1375 would pass the risk to private businesses, undermining assurances given to parents that they could still purchase a book even if it wasn’t available at their school’s library.
What’s Next?
Ryan Goodwin, the Republican Chairman of Taylor County, has expressed his support for removing books that are considered unsuitable for children. He mentioned that discussions about limiting access to certain books have been happening for several years. However, he is doubtful that the current bill will make much progress since it has only one author and no additional sponsors, and he doesn’t believe it will even be brought up for a vote in the House.
In the meantime, Texas booksellers, educators, and advocates continue to stand together for our rights. This addition could have far-reaching consequences for free expression, education, and the future of independent bookstores in Texas.
Bookstores mean a lot to Texans, Americans, and humanity. We can’t let them take away our voice. To get involved, check out FastDemocracy.com to find similar bills in your state, research legislators, and more.
Make sure you’ve read 10 Banned Books To Read in 2025 Before They Disappear For Good.
Read more banned books with our Banned Books: Because We Stand With the Well Informed bookshelf on Bookshop.org.
