Texas State Library and Archives Commission Meeting
Minutes

November 14, 2025, 8:30 a.m.
 

OPENING ITEMS

1.  Welcome and Introductions

Chair Martha Wong called the meeting to order on November 14, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. She stated that the agenda was posted with the Secretary of State on November 4, 2025, and that the notice indicated the meeting would be conducted via videoconference and provided a phone number and web link for the public to use to access the meeting.

2.    Roll Call for Members and Establishment of a Quorum

Chair Wong took a roll call of Commission members and established that a quorum was present. Commissioners David Iglesias, Arthur Mann, and Darry Tocker were in attendance in person, as was Chair Wong. Commissioners David Garza, Nancy Paup, and Bradley Tegeler were in attendance via video conference.

3.    Special Staff Recognition for Retirements

Ann Minner recognized John Berkland and his many years of service to the agency and the Talking Book Program.

4.    Approval of Minutes of August 1, 2025, Commission Meeting

Commissioner Garza moved to approve the minutes of the August 1, 2025, Commission meeting as presented. Commissioner Tocker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

5.    Public Comment

This item was taken out of order. Sarah Swanson suggested that, as all requests for public comment were for Item 19 of this meeting, relating to the proposed amendments to 13 TAC §4.2, School Library Programs: Collection Development Standards, the comments should be taken at that time.

BRIEFINGS AND ACTION ITEMS

6.    Acceptance of Grants and Gifts of $500 or Greater

Ms. Minner reported that the agency received a gift in the amount of $500 from Ms. Linn Crutcher in memory of her sister, Eldora Green. The amount is to be allocated for the use of the Talking Book Program.

Commissioner Mann moved to approve the acceptance of the gift. Commissioner Paup seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

7.    Internal Audit Matters

Donna Osborne introduced Daniel Graves, representing Weaver, the agency’s outsourced internal auditor.

Mr. Graves reported that Weaver provided advisory assistance with TSLAC’s Library Infrastructure Facility Improvement (LIFI) Grant, including a review for compliance of the applications the agency received to ensure any money awarded by the agency fell in line with the purpose and contractual bounds of the grants. Moving into FY 2026, Weaver has started developing a compliance checklist for the agency as funding requests come in from the grantees. Additionally, Weaver is creating a monitoring plan and procedures for the grant funds.

Mr. Graves then gave an overview on the follow-up report on Record Center Services. He noted that in the original audit report in 2023, there were four findings. Three of these were fully remediated in 2024. The remaining finding, relating to standard operating procedures for records acceptance/pick-up, records requests/deliveries, and document destruction, is now fully remediated. This also wraps up all the internal audit plans and follow ups for FY 2025, as the audit review of Information Security has been moved to FY 2026.

Mr. Graves then gave a brief overview of all sections included in the FY 2025 Internal Audit Report.

Mr. Graves then reported that the FY 2026 Internal Audit Plan includes a review of Information Security, Records Management Assistance, and Communications; in addition to a follow-up over Resource Sharing.

Commissioner Tocker moved to accept the FY 2025 Internal Audit Report. Commissioner Tegeler seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

8.    Review and Approve the Following Contracts, Contract Renewals, and Amendments:

a)    Auto-Graphics, Inc. (renew contract for the statewide Interlibrary Loan System supporting eligible Texas libraries)

Sarah Karnes noted that Auto-Graphics, Inc. provides access and subscription to SHAREit, the consortial resource-sharing system used by participating Texas libraries for statewide interlibrary loan (ILL) activity. The agency is requesting a contract renewal with Auto-Graphics. If the Commission approved the contract renewal, this would be the first of three optional two-year renewals.

Ms. Karnes noted that there are currently 498 public libraries and branches and other libraries that participate in the ILL program. SHAREit is one of the most highly rated and popular statewide programs, especially for small libraries, and allows access to materials and resources that are not available locally.

Commissioner Mann moved to approve a contract renewal for Auto-Graphics, Inc.’s SHAREit for term from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027, to be billed $470,100 per calendar year of the two-year renewal term for a total of $940,200. Commissioner Tocker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

b)    New contract to provide e-books, downloadable audiobooks, and a mobile application for E-Read Texas Program

Ms. Karnes noted that the agency currently has a contract with Baker & Taylor to provide participating public libraries with e-book and digital audiobook content licensed by TSLAC, as well as a mobile/web application (app) used to access that content. In October, however, the agency learned that Baker & Taylor will be shutting down operations by the end of this calendar year.

Ms. Karnes noted that 218 libraries participate in the E-Read Texas program and receive access to a collection of over 18,000 titles and access to a mobile application. The program is popular for small rural libraries, where it provides most of the content for their patrons. Ms. Karnes added that some libraries would not be able to provide e-book content or audiobooks if this program did not exist.

Ms. Karnes added that the agency must move quickly to find a new vendor platform or risk losing previously licensed or purchased content. The agency is therefore seeking a new contract to provide e-books, downloadable audiobooks, and app for the E-Read Texas program. Additionally, due to the timing of the Commission meetings, the agency is also seeking approval to award and execute a contract with a qualified vendor.

TSLAC posted a solicitation November 10 and expects responses by December 3. 
Responding to a question posed by Commissioner Tegeler, Ms. Karnes gave a brief overview of Baker & Taylor and its services for libraries. Responding to a question posed by Commissioner Tocker, Ms. Karnes confirmed that Baker & Taylor is a national vendor the agency has paid using federal funds.

Responding to a follow-up question from Commissioner Tocker, Ms. Karnes confirmed that TSLAC’s licenses for content lie with the individual publishers, not Baker & Taylor. The new vendor should help in migrating the content onto its platform so TSLAC and patrons are able to use the content.

Commissioner Tocker moved to approve that the agency award and execute a contract with the qualified vendor presenting the offer determined to be the best value to the agency and the state for an initial term to begin on contract execution and continue through September 30, 2027, with up to two additional two-year renewal options and a total not-to-exceed amount of $500,000 per year or $1,000,000 per two-year term. Commissioner Iglesias seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

9.    Status Update on Progress of Construction of the New Archival and Records Storage Facility in Pflugerville, Texas

Roben Taglienti, Senior Project Manager at the Texas Facilities Commission (TFC), introduced himself and Any Siefker, Senior Project Manager at Broaddus, and the teams from JE Dunn and McKinney York working on the construction and design of the new records and storage facility in Pflugerville, Texas.

Mr. Taglienti noted that the team has progressed through the design phase of the project. The budget for the entire scope of the project is $210 million and includes design, construction, land procurement, furnishing, and moving costs. Mr. Taglienti reported that, after receiving the design development budget estimate, the project is currently under the target construction budget of $170 million.

Mr. Siefker noted that the project is tracking on time with a completion date of September 2027. He then gave a brief overview of the project timeline. Of note, the design development phase of the project is complete; the construction development phase is 65% complete and is anticipated to be completed mid-December; and construction has started. Mr. Siefker then shared pictures of the site and design of the planned facility.

Responding to a question posed by Chair Wong, Mr. Taglienti noted that TFC bought a 34-acre plot of land just north of the construction site of the new TSLAC facility. Ten acres of that space will be used to construct a Texas state office building. The construction site for the TSLAC facility is 16 acres.

This item was for discussion only.

10.    Update on Archives and Records Committee Meeting of November 13, 2025

Commissioner Iglesias reported that, during the November 13, 2025, Archives and Records Committee meeting, Craig Kelso provided an update on the status of storage capacity at the State Records Center (SRC) on Shoal Creek Boulevard in Austin, Texas. At that meeting, Mr. Kelso stated that he anticipated that it will be necessary to pause intake of new boxes due to SRC reaching maximum capacity, likely between February and March of 2026.

Commissioner Iglesias then reported that Mr. Kelso provided an update on the status of amendments to two local government retention schedules, including Schedule PW: Records of Public Works and Other Government Services as well as Schedule EL: Records of Elections and Voter Registration. Both schedules are currently in an informal comment period.

Commissioner Iglesias then noted that Ms. Meraz gave an update on the implementation of House Bill 1397, 89th Legislature, and the agency’s work with the State Preservation Board related to the display of three historic documents.

He then reported that Ms. Chubb provided an update on the Strategic Plan for the Texas State Archives 2026-2030 and highlighted the accomplishments of her staff in achieving many of the previous plan’s goals for 2021-2025. Ms. Chubb had also discussed upcoming events planned at the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center (SHC) in Liberty, Texas in FY 2026, including a holiday event to be held on December 13, 2025.

Commissioner Iglesias noted that Ms. Swanson provided an update on the restoration and rehabilitation of the Cleveland-Partlow House in Liberty, Texas. Jean Murph, Chair of the Atascocito Historical Society, has planned a reception and tour of the House on November 18, 2025.

Responding to a question posed by Commissioner Wong, Ms. Chubb confirmed that SHC received 1,107 visitors in FY 2025, more than doubling the number of visitors from FY 2022, which she credited to the increase of programs at the SHC while the historic buildings are still under rehabilitation.

This item was for discussion only.

11.    Strategic Plan for the Texas State Archives

a)    Report on Strategic Plan for the Texas State Archives, 2021-2025

Ms. Chubb gave a brief overview of achievements based on the goals outlined in the Strategic Plan for the Texas State Archives, 2021-2025. Of note, the Archives and Information Services (ARIS) division, among other accomplishments:

•    Reduced the backlog of appraisals by 26%;
•    Reduced the processing backlog by another 26%;
•    Exceeded the goal of having 10 million items in the Texas Digital Archive (TDA) and instead reached 12.25 million items as of August 2025 (equaling 256 terabytes of digital information);
•    Increased and continued partnerships relating to digitized archives, working with Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, and the University of North Texas; 
•    Increased outreach programs at the Lorenzo de Zavala and Sam Houston Center locations and engaged with partners, including the Department of Vital Statistics, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and others, to provide outreach; and
•    Made progress on the repair and rehabilitation of the SHC facility and historic buildings.

b)    Review and consideration of the Strategic Plan for the Texas State Archives, 2026-2030

Looking ahead, Ms. Chubb gave a brief overview of goals ARIS plans to focus on in its Strategic Plan for the Texas State Archives, 2026-2030, including:

•    Preparing to move roughly 30,000 cubic feet of materials from the Lorenzo de Zavala and State Records Center locations to the new archives and records facility being constructed in Pflugerville;
•    Continuing the agency’s digitization efforts;
•    Continuing to reduce the appraisal backlog;
•    Continuing outreach efforts, including Texas America250 celebrations and exhibit programs; and
•    Continuing the repair and rehabilitation of the SHC facility.

Ms. Chubb noted that the State Board of Preservation has been committed to the preservation of historic documents and is working with the agency to address the needs and concerns of the legislature to display the documents.

Commissioner Paup commented on the importance of partnerships as well as the importance of marketing the exhibits and keeping track of the number of visitors.

Commissioner Paup moved to approve the Strategic Plan for the Texas State Archives, 2026-2030. Commissioners Mann and Tegeler seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

12.    Consideration of Appointment and Reappointment of TexShare Advisory Board Members

Ms. Karnes noted that the agency has an advisory board to advise the agency on matters related to the TexShare consortium. The advisory board is charged with reviewing information on the status and plans for the consortial programs and services, providing input and recommendations regarding those programs and services, and making recommendations regarding consortia membership and governance.

Terms for three board members expired on August 31. Two of those members are eligible for a second three-year term, and the agency recommended reappointments for: Amanda Barrera, Director of Library Services for the City of Panarillo at the Amarillo Public Library, as well as Betsy Evans, Director of Library and Research Technologies from the Brian Wind and Thal Memorial Library and Archives at the Big Bend at Sewell Broth State University's Alpine Campus. Ms. Karnes gave a brief overview of their qualifications.

The agency also recommended appointing Justin Barkley, Executive Director of the TLL Temple Memorial Library in Digal. Ms. Karnes gave a brief overview of his qualifications.

In response to a question posed by Chair Wong, Ms. Karnes confirmed that the agency generally finds potential advisory board members by word-of-mouth.

Commissioner Mann moved to approve the three appointments to the TexShare Advisory Board. Commissioner Tocker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

13.    Community Literacy Support Grants

Ms. Karnes gave an update on the Community Literacy Support Grants, which is a program that helps local libraries partner with a nonprofit organization to enroll children in a monthly mail order book delivery program. Ms. Karnes noted that the 89th Legislature passed Senate Bill 1, General Appropriations Bill, with the addition of a rider to include $4 million to TSLAC from the General Revenue Fund to provide these grants to local libraries.

Ms. Karnes then gave a brief overview of the program so far, noting that TSLAC rolled out an invitation-only, non-competitive pilot program in October.  TSLAC is currently working with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library as the monthly mail order book delivery program.  The agency is also working closely with the legislative sponsor’s office and affiliate parters to shape the design of the program.  The agency has about seven project partners (library/nonprofit partnerships).

Ms. Karnes then noted that the agency will open the program to other potential project partners later in the year.

Responding to a question posed by Chair Wong, Ms. Karnes confirmed that children who sign up for the program receive one book at home every month. TSLAC does not handle the book mailing directly, which is instead handled by the nonprofit partner.

This item was for discussion only.

14.    Update on Library Infrastructure Facility Improvement Grants

Ms. Karnes then gave an update on the Library Infrastructure Facility Improvement (LIFI) Grant Program.  Through funding awarded by the American Rescue Plan Act–Capital Projects Fund, TSLAC established the LIFI Grant Program, which aims to expand broadband access and enhance digital connectivity among underserved communities across Texas.  

Ms. Karnes noted that Weaver has been involved in the design of this grant program with the agency and has been providing additional help with the program.

Ms. Karnes then noted that the grants were approved and awarded during the summer for 36 subrecipients, totaling approximately $6 million. As part of the grant process, TSLAC also contracted with Carson Block Services, which provides day-to-day IT coaching that supports the tech side of the project for libraries.

Responding to a question posed by Chair Wong, Ms. Karnes confirmed that the project includes some training.

This item was for discussion only.

15.    Review and Consideration of Appeal by San Augustine Public Library of Denial of Grant Application #3164 for Library Infrastructure Facility Improvement (LIFI) Grant Funding

Commissioner Iglesias excused himself from the discussion due to a possible conflict of interest.

Ms. Karnes gave a brief overview of the Library Infrastructure Facility (LIFI) grant application process, noting that that TSLAC posted the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the LIFI grant in March 2025, and all application submissions were due April 28, 2025. All applications were first reviewed by Weaver, who TSLAC partnered with for the compliance review component.

Ms. Karnes then noted that the San Augustine Public Library submitted a grant, but the application was determined to be ineligible, as the application project included installation of Wi-Fi and internet access to off-site buildings, including private homes in the community, and such expenditures are not eligible under the Multipurpose Community Facilities Program of the American Rescue Act Plan.

In early August, TSLAC announced which applicants would be receiving grants. The San Augustine Public Library was not on the list of approved applicants and was formally informed of the decision after the announcement.

The San Augustine Public Library requested an appeal of the denial of its grant application (#3164) for LIFI Grants on August 20, 2025. TSLAC’s Director and Librarian denied the appeal on August 29, 2025, and provided additional information explaining how the library could appeal this determination to the full commission. The library then submitted the appeal for consideration at today's commission meeting that same day.

The agency now seeks a review and consideration of the appeal for the San Augustine Public Library.

Responding to questions posed by the commissioners, Ms. Karnes confirmed that the appeal procedures follow TSLAC’s administrative rules. As the San Augustine Public Library’s grant application in its entirety was not in compliance with the NOFO, it was determined to be ineligible and therefore was not sent to the review panel for consideration. Although the library did come forward with a counterproposal when it appealed, Ms. Karnes noted that TSLAC could not accept the appeal for a number of reasons, including the scope of changes made to the grant application and timing.

Commissioner Tocker moved to decline the appeal of the San Augustine Public Library. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. Commissioner Iglesias abstained from voting due to a possible conflict of interest. The motion passed unanimously by all voting members.

16.    Actions at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission State Records Center and Talking Book Circulation location on Shoal Creek Boulevard

a)    Initial discussion of implementation activities for Senate Bill 1012 (89th Legislature, Regular Session) regarding the sale or lease of the real property located at 4400 Shoal Creek Boulevard in Austin, Texas (discussion only)

Ms. Meraz gave a brief overview of Senate Bill 1012, which directs the General Land Office (GLO) to sell or lease TSLAC’s Shoal Creek property once the agency has moved its operations into the new archives and records storage facility in Pflugerville, Texas. The proceeds from the sale or lease of the Shoal Creek property would go into the Bicentennial Fund for the agency for capital improvements at the Sam Houston Center and Lorenzo de Zavala building.

Ms. Meraz noted that a decision on whether to lease or sell the property will eventually be needed. Ms. Meraz then noted that she, Ms. Swanson, and Ms. Osborne met with GLO earlier this week to begin discussions on what options are available and what may be expected. GLO would act as the real estate broker for the state and will provide guidance on the Commission’s eventual decision.

Chair Wong called for a short recess at 9:58 a.m. The Commission reconvened at 10:07 a.m.

b)    Consideration of proposed surface lease on State Records Center (SRC) Property, 4400 Shoal Creek Boulevard in Austin, Texas to maintain and operate cell tower

Ms. Swanson gave a brief overview of the easement for a cell tower that is on the SRC property, noting the initial term of this easement was March 1996 through March 2001, a five-year period, with five optional extensions of five-year terms. She then noted that the current term is in the fifth and final extension, as the easement ends March 2026.

Under the current agreement, New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC makes annual lease payments to GLO that are payable to TSLAC as well as additional annual payments directly to TSLAC to ensure that any impact to consumers, staff, and volunteers at SRC is ameliorated.

Ms. Swanson shared a chart with commissioners that showed the basic terms of the current agreement, including the annual lease payments and additional compensation amounts.

Crown Castle, which is the entity that works on behalf of the New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC, contacted GLO in February 2025 to discuss a potential new lease agreement. Crown Castle has proposed terms which Ms. Swanson noted would be better than the terms of the existing agreement and more in line with regular commercial rates for cell tower leases. Ms. Swanson then gave a brief overview of some of the aspects of what would be included in a new agreement, noting that the request is for an initial five-year term with four five-year extensions. Additionally, the agreement would include a clause noting that the lease premises are subject to sale or trade and would outline what would happen if the state were to enter into an agreement to sell or trade the premises. Should TSLAC sell the property, the agency would no longer receive the lease payments. The lessee would negotiate with the new owner of the property whether to enter into a new agreement or to terminate the lease, which would also include the removal of the cell tower.

Ms. Swanson then asked the Commission to consider approving the surface lease with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC.

Responding to a question posed by Commissioner Mann, Ms. Swanson noted that the surface lease for the cell tower could be a burden to the land but also provide a source of income to any potential owner of the premises.

Responding to questions posed by Commissioner Garza, Ms. Swanson clarified that Senate Bill 1012 directs the agency to sell or lease the SRC property after TSLAC vacates it, which would be no earlier than September 2027.  The move-out date is subject to the completion of the new facility in Pflugerville and the agency’s ability to move everything out of SRC. Additionally, the proceeds for the sale of the property would be directed to TSLAC.  Ms. Swanson was unsure of how the property was zoned. This led to a brief discussion on how the presence and position of the cell tower could affect the ability to sell the property.

Responding to additional questions posed by Commissioner Garza, Ms. Swanson clarified that under the potential new agreement, each individual sublease would be an additional $14,600, and that GLO had determined that this amount was par to similar situations GLO has dealt with.  She added that GLO is dealing directly with the potential lessee.  Ms. Swanson then noted that entering into a new lease (instead of extending the current lease until the potential sell of the property) allows the agency to negotiate better rent payments closer to a fairer rate, in addition to changing the easement to a surface lease.

Responding to questions posed by Commissioner Tegeler, Ms. Swanson confirmed information about the amount of payments under the proposed agreement.  Ms. Swanson also confirmed that the payment comes at the beginning of the term, but she would need to ensure that the agreement addresses any refunds should TSLAC terminate the term early. She noted that the terms of the agreement must be finalized by March.  New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC would be responsible for removing the cell tower if the potential new owner of the property did not enter a new agreement with the company.

This led to a general conversation on the zoning, location, and encumbrance of the property.

Responding to a question posed by Commissioner Mann, Ms. Swanson noted that she would keep the commissioners updated if New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC proposed anything counter to the essential terms of the agreement as currently presented.

Commissioner Mann moved to approve the surface lease with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC as presented.  Commissioner Tegeler seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

17.    Consideration of Proposed Amendments to 13 TAC §2.2, Responsibilities of Commission and Director and Librarian and §2.3, Procedures of Commission

Ms. Swanson noted that the agency is proposing amendments to 13 TAC §2.2, Responsibilities of Commission and Director and Librarian and §2.3, Procedures of Commission.

Ms. Swanson noted the amendments would increase the dollar threshold at which non-competitive grants require formal Commission approval from $100,000, which is what it is today, to $250,000. This amendment would not change the Commission's requirement to approve all competitive grants regardless of the dollar amount. Increasing this approval threshold to $250,000 will allow the Commission to concentrate its time and oversight on higher-value, non-competitive grants with greater fiscal impact, while enabling staff to process the smaller, perhaps recurring awards more efficiently without having to align with Commission meetings for approval. These amendments are intended to improve the agency's overall efficiency by streamlining its approval procedures.

Ms. Swanson noted that the rule proposal was forwarded to the Office of the Governor, and the agency received a response that there are no concerns about moving forward. Ms. Swanson added that if approved by the Commission, the proposed amendments would be published in the Texas Register for a 30-day comment period, and any changes resulting from the comments would be reviewed and discussed with the Commission at a future meeting.

Commissioner Tocker moved to approve publishing the proposed amendments to 13 TAC §2.2 and §2.3 in the Texas Register for the purpose of receiving public comment. Commissioner Paup seconded the motion. Commissioners Tocker, Garza, Iglesias, Mann, Paup, and Chair Wong voted to approve. Commissioner Tegeler voted against. The motion passed.

18.    Consideration of Proposed Amendments to 13 TAC §2.56, Training and Education of Staff

Ms. Swanson noted that the agency is proposing amendments to 13 TAC §2.56, Training and Education of Staff. State statute requires state agencies to adopt rules relating to the eligibility of the agency's administrators and employees for agency-supported training and education, obligations administrators and employees assume when receiving such training and education, and rules relating to reimbursement to an employee or administrator who participates in a training or education program offered by an institution of higher education.

The Commission recently updated its tuition assistance program policy, and so the Commission finds it necessary to update its rule regarding the training and education of staff to ensure that both the policy and the rule align.

Ms. Swanson noted that the rule proposal was forwarded to the Office of the Governor, and the agency received a response that there are no concerns about moving forward.

If approved, the proposed amendments would be published in the Texas Register on November 28 for a 30-day comment period.

Commissioner Tocker moved to approve publishing the proposed amendments in the Texas Register for the purpose of receiving public comment. Commissioners Paup and Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

19.    Consideration of Proposed Amendments to 13 TAC §4.2, School Library Programs: Collection Development Standards

Ms. Swanson noted that there were requests to present public comment on this item. She determined to first give an overview on the subject of this item, entertain public comment, and then have the Commission proceed.

Ms. Swanson then gave an overview of 13 TAC §4.2, School Library Programs: Collection Development Standards, noting that the 88th Texas Legislature passed House Bill 900, which, among other things, required TSLAC, with approval by majority vote of the State Board of Education (SBOE), to adopt standards for school library collection development to which a school district must adhere when developing or implementing the district’s library collection development policies.

SBOE approved TSLAC’s draft standards at its December 13, 2023, meeting, and TSLAC then adopted the standards at its December 14, 2023, meeting. These standards have been effective since January 2024.

More recently, the 89th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 13, which added new definitions to Education Code §33.020. It also added and clarified specific requirements in Education Code §33.021, which relates to library standards. Additional added sections to the Education Code relate to parental access to library materials and student library records, local school library advisory councils, the acquisition of library materials, and procedures for challenges or appeals regarding library materials.

Because some of the specific changes in these new statutes relate to pieces of the agency’s administrative rule that are already in place, TSLAC must now amend 13 TAC §4.2, School Library Programs: Collection Development Standards to ensure that the rule both implements the new parts of Senate Bill 13 and remains consistent with the newly added statutes in Senate Bill 13.

Ms. Swanson shared the timeline of the approval process for the rule amendments with the commissioners and noted that the agency plans to complete the process by April 2026. She noted that SBOE must also give its approval to the proposed amendments during certain steps of the process.

The agency is now seeking approval to publish the proposed amendments in the Texas Register for the purpose of receiving public comment. If approved, the proposed amendments would be published in the Texas Register on November 28 for a 30-day comment period.

Ms. Swanson noted that the rule proposal was forwarded to the Office of the Governor, and the agency received a response that there are no concerns about moving forward.

The Commission then invited the first speaker to present public comment.

Jeralee Smith from Bonham, Texas, expressed her concern about the guidelines, especially in regards to sexuality and sexual identity.  She asked the Commission to make clear directives to avoid literature that would expose youth to sexually explicit material, to examine studies on sexuality and sexual identity, and to cut off association with the American Library Association. She shared a handout with the commission.

Ms. Swanson then read three public comments provided in writing to the agency, included below.

Jennifer Yoch from Blue Ridge, Texas, shared her experience in trying to challenge school library books in two different counties, gave a brief overview of the school library process of approving books for purchase in Blue Ridge, shared what online resources are available to guardians for monitoring/curating their child’s access to books, and shared challenges of creating a Local School Library Advisory Councils committee.

Ms. Swanson reached the three-minute limit of reading aloud the comment Ms. Yoch provided. The written comment in full was shared with the commissioners as a handout, including Ms. Yoch’s suggested changes to the rules.

Carolyn Foote provided suggested changes to proposed rules and expressed concern in the true impact of cost, as well as the difficulties in acquiring new books, while remaining in compliance with the new rules as presented. She noted the importance of accurately documenting the impact on actual local governments and small businesses.

Wendy Woodland, Director of Advocacy and Communications at the Texas Library Association (TLA), noted that TLA does not have any comments or suggested changes to the proposed amendments as presented. Ms. Woodland added that the implementation of Senate Bill 13 has created major challenges for school districts and libraries, especially in regards to purchasing school library materials. Ms. Woodland concluded that school librarians remain dedicated and committed to providing exceptional school library programs for Texas students.

Ms. Swanson noted that the agency is seeking approval to publish the proposed amendments to §4.2 in the Texas Register for the purpose of receiving public comment.

Responding to a question posed by Commissioner Tegeler, Ms. Swanson confirmed that any resident within the district can file a challenge to a book in the public school library. However, it is not clear how this rule may affect open-enrollment schools without a district.

Commissioner Iglesias noted that the proposed amendments follow the statutes as closely as possible.

Commissioner Tegeler moved to approve to publish the proposed amendments to 13 TAC §4.2, School Library Programs: Collection Development Standards, for the purpose of receiving public comment. Commissioner Tocker seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

RULES – ADOPTIONS

20.    Consideration of Adoption of Repeal of 13 TAC §6.9, Notification by State Records Administrator

Ms. Swanson noted that the commission approved the publication of the proposed repeal of §6.9, Notification by State Records Administrator, at its August 2, 2025, meeting. The proposed repeal was published in the August 22, 2025, issue of the Texas Register for a 30-day public comment period. The commission did not receive any comments.

Ms. Swanson noted that the repeal is needed as the rule is outdated and does not implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy, nor does it describe a Commission procedure or practice requirement. If the repeal is adopted by the Commission, the effective date will be 20 days after the adoption is filed with the Texas Register.

Commissioner Tocker moved to adopt the repeal of 13 TAC §6.9. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

21.    Consideration of Adoption of Repeal of 13 TAC §7.125, Records Retention Schedules

Items 21 and 22 were taken as a single action.

22.    Consideration of Adoption of New Sections in 13 TAC Chapter 7, Local Records, Subchapter D, Records Retention Schedules

Items 21 and 22 were taken as a single action.

Ms. Swanson noted that 13 TAC §7.125 contains all 12 of the local government records retention schedules. The Commission approved the publication of the proposed repeal of this administrative rule at its August 2, 2025, meeting, and it was published in the August 22, 2025, issue of the Texas Register for a 30-day public comment period. The agency did not receive any comments.

Additionally, the Commission approved the publication of the proposed new sections 7.126 through 7.137 at its August 2, 2025, meeting. The proposed new sections were published in the August 22, 2025, issue of the Texas Register for a 30-day public comment period. The agency did not receive any comments.

Ms. Swanson noted that the proposed repeal of §7.125 and proposed adoption of new sections 7.126 through 7.137 were discussed during the November 13, 2025, Archives and Records Committee meeting. The repeal is necessary to update and improve the Commission’s rules related to Local Government Records Retention Schedules. The local schedules included within the repealed section will be adopted as individual sections to improve the commission’s ability to update and maintain the schedules and provide improved usability for local governments.

Commissioner Mann moved to approve the adoption of the repeal of Section 7.125 and the adoption of new sections 7.126 through 7.137. Tegeler seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Tegeler left the meeting at 11:15 a.m.

REPORTS

23.    Report of the Director and Librarian

Ms. Meraz shared the Director’s Report with the commissioners and invited them to ask questions.

Ms. Meraz then invited Ms. Swanson to introduce the agency’s new Associate General Counsel, Logan Jones.

Ms. Meraz then noted that she is working on the agency’s strategic plan for discussion at the February Commission meeting. She noted that the strategic plan will likely address efficiency audits and preparations for the sunset report. Ms. Meraz will work with Chair Wong to determine how best to structure the meeting.

Ms. Swanson then gave a brief overview of the FY 2026 Contract Plan.

Ms. Swanson then gave an update on a request by the commissioners in January 2025 for an opinion from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) about retention schedules for juvenile criminal case files and whether those records constitute permanent records under Chapter 58 of the Family Code.

The OAG issued its opinion in October stating they are not aware of any federal or state law, rule of court, or regulation that establishes a retention period for juvenile case papers held by county or district clerks. Therefore, TSLAC has the authority to set the retention period, and it is within the agency’s authority to use Family Code Section 58.264 as a basis for the set period. Additionally, the OAG states in this opinion that county and district clerks may destroy juvenile case papers pursuant to that local schedule for county clerks and district clerks.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

24.    Executive Session

The Commission did not go into Executive Session.

RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION

25.    Action items from Executive Session

The Commission did not go into Executive Session.

CLOSING ITEMS

26.    Financial Report, Including Updates on FY 2026-2027 Agency Operating Budget and Annual Financial Report for FY2025

Ms. Osborne reviewed financials as of October 17, 2025.

This item was for discussion only.

27.    Update on Agency Events

Tim Gleisner gave an overview of recent or planned key TSLAC events. Of note:

•    The Martha Wong Scholarship and the Mark Smith and Gloria Meraz Scholarship have been awarded through the Texas State Library and Archives Foundation. The two recipients each receive $2,000 for their library school endeavors.
•    Representatives from TSLAC attended the National Book Festival in September.
•    The agency has sent traveling exhibits for the America250 celebration to 538 communities across the state to display. The traveling exhibit highlights historic documents, including the Texas Declaration of independence, the Texas State Constitution, and others. 
•    The agency hosted programs for the Texas Book Festival in early November. More than 1,000 visited the TSLAC building.

This item was for discussion only.

28.    Adjournment

Commissioner Tocker moved to adjourn the Commission meeting. Commissioner Mann seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 11:37 a.m.