(Texas Scorecard) – With just 40 days left in the Texas legislative session, a bill designated as a priority by the Republican Party of Texas remains stalled in committee, despite mounting grassroots pressure and vocal support from conservative leaders across the state.
House Bill 1549, known as the Retail Decency Act, has yet to receive a hearing in the House Committee on Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development, chaired by Rep. Angie Chen Button (R–Richardson). The bill, filed by State Rep. Hillary Hickland (R–Belton) and co-authored by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, seeks to restrict the display and marketing of sexually explicit adult products in retail environments accessible to children.
Despite receiving endorsements from more than 100 community leaders, medical professionals, faith-based organizations, and parents, the legislation has been held up for over 100 days—more than two-thirds of the 140-day session. While the deadline for committees to vote out House bills is May 12, advocates note that legislation typically needs to move earlier to have any real chance at passage.
Christin Bentley, Chair of the Texas GOP’s “Stop Sexualizing Texas Kids” subcommittee, said the delay is part of a troubling trend in the Capitol, pointing directly to staff within Button’s office.
“Amanda Willard, [Chairwoman Button’s chief of staff], has actively worked behind the scenes to stall HB 1549,” Bentley told Texas Scorecard, referencing Willard’s social media posts that include a Trans-pride flag and Black Lives Matter messaging. “Her open embrace of radical progressive ideology, including elements of the woke agenda, raises serious concerns about who is influencing Republican policy decisions.”
As of publication, Willard did not respond to a request for comment.
Bentley added that Button is ultimately accountable, saying, “Republican voters expect their elected officials to stand up for children, not cater to fringe ideologies.”
“The sexualization of children is abuse. HB 1549 is a commonsense Texas GOP priority that would prevent sexually explicit adult devices from being sold or displayed to minors. It doesn’t restrict adults, it protects kids. Yet, despite strong public support, the bill is being blocked.”
HB 1549 has been designated as priority legislation by the Republican Party of Texas. The party’s platform calls on lawmakers to protect children from exposure to sexually explicit materials and content in schools, libraries, and public spaces, including stores.
The bill would not ban the sale of adult products but would require that they be kept out of view and reach of minors. Supporters argue this is a commonsense step to prevent children from encountering adult-themed items near candy, toys, or toothbrushes—something they say is already happening across the state.
“Texans deserve leaders with the courage to stand up for children. If Republican leadership chooses to do nothing, they are not just complicit—they are accountable. We will remember who stood up for families and who stood in the way,” said Bentley.