A sweeping grassroots coalition of 100 Texas leaders representing conservative activists, faith leaders, bipartisan elected officials, and local organizations is sounding the alarm over the Texas Legislature’s inaction on a child protection bill that they say has overwhelming public and bipartisan support—but remains stalled in committee.
House Bill 1549 (HB 1549), also known as the Retail Decency Act, was authored by Rep. Hillary Hickland (R–Temple) and joint authored by Representatives Manuel, Ordaz, Leach, and Leo-Wilson, and is now backed by 39 House members, including both Republicans and Democrats.
The bill would prohibit the open display of obscene devices—such as sex toys and related paraphernalia—in public areas of retail stores accessible to children.
A Committee Substitute for the bill clarifies that it does not ban the sale of such items. Instead, the bill limits sales to:
- Sexually Oriented Businesses (SOBs) as defined by Texas law
- Retailers that restrict access to those under 18
- Online-only sellers
Local district and county attorneys would be empowered to enforce the law, which includes a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation, along with reimbursement for prosecution costs.
Despite the growing list of coauthors and public outcry, HB 1549 has not been scheduled for a hearing in the House Committee on Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development, chaired by Rep. Angie Chen Button (R–Richardson).
Five members of Button’s committee have signed onto the bill—including one Democrat—yet Button has declined to set the bill, sparking criticism from the bill’s supporters and accusations of political obstruction.
Prominent supporters include:
- The Dallas County Republican Party
- Texas Eagle Forum
- Dallas Jewish Conservatives
- Citizens Defending Freedom
- Texas Coalition for Kids
- Refuge for Women North Texas
- Grassroots America We the People PAC
- Protecting Texas Children
- Texas Family Project
- Jaco Booyens Ministries
- Monty Bennett, Chairman Ashford Inc.
Dozens of Republican Party Precinct Chairs and State Republican Executive Committee members, including Christin Bentley, SD-1 State Republican Executive Committeewoman and Chair of the Texas GOP’s Legislative Priority: Stop Sexualizing Texas Kids
A Bill Sparked by Local Concerns
According to Rep. Hickland, the legislation was born out of direct concerns from local leaders in Temple after a resident reported seeing obscene items on open display in a major retail store where children could easily see them.
In response to feedback from adult boutique owners, Hickland recently amended the bill language to ensure it does not unintentionally target small businesses that already restrict minors from entry. The revised bill allows obscene devices to be sold in stores that are 18+ only, online, or through legally classified SOBs.
“As I have said before, there is a troubling trend of normalizing the sexualization of children in our society. House Bill 1549/Senate Bill 2399 have always been about protecting Texas’ kids,” said Representative Hickland. “As a mother of four and a legislator, I find it absolutely appalling that some of these obscene devices are being displayed openly in stores where children shop with their parents.”
“What’s even more disturbing is the evidence we’ve received from concerned citizens—photographs showing explicit products that resemble human and so-called ‘creature’ genitalia, openly displayed at national retail chains like Spencer’s. These stores are usually located in shopping malls and are regularly frequented by teenagers. These devices are not behind a counter, not in a restricted section—just out in the open for anyone, of any age, to see and purchase. That’s exactly the kind of exposure HB 1549 is designed to prevent,” added Rep. Hickland.
‘This Isn’t About Prudishness’
The bill’s leading advocates say the effort is not about censorship or moral purity—it’s about basic protections for children in public retail environments.
“Retailers are displaying sex toys next to candy and children’s toothbrushes—normalizing adult content in spaces meant for kids,” Bentley told The Dallas Express. “This isn’t about prudishness; it’s about recognizing how repeated exposure desensitizes children and conditions them to accept sexualized content as part of everyday life. That’s grooming, plain and simple.”
Photos provided to The Dallas Express by Bentley and other coalition members document such displays in mainstream Texas retailers, including:
- Valentine’s aisle photo featuring obscene devices placed next to stuffed animals, candy, and heart-themed gifts
- Toothbrush display photo showing adult items near children’s hygiene products and family care items
- Shopping mall storefronts, such as Spencer’s, where sexually explicit products are clearly visible from the entrance and not confined to a restricted section
- Mobile billboard truck photo driving through Dallas, wrapped in graphic sex toy advertisements visible in public intersections and near schools
“This is not a fringe bill,” Bentley told The Dallas Express. “It’s a bipartisan, parent-driven effort to stop the sexualization of children. It’s time for Texas leadership to decide whether they will stand with families or with woke corporate agendas.”
“Given the clear support for this bill from members of her own committee,” Bentley said in a statement to DX, “it’s baffling that Rep. Button refuses to schedule a hearing or treat it with the urgency it demands. Her inaction raises serious questions about whose interests are being prioritized.”
Public Petition Launched Monday
The coalition’s letter to Chairwoman Button was made public Monday, along with a petition inviting concerned citizens to add their names. Organizers say they hope to elevate the bill through pressure from Texas families and media exposure—especially as the legislative session nears key deadlines.
Chairwoman Button’s Response
The Dallas Express reached out to Rep. Angie Chen Button’s office for comment. As of publication, no response has been received.
The push for the Retail Decency Act underscores a broader debate about balancing community standards, parental rights, and business interests in Texas.
As the legislative session progresses, the outcome of HB 1549 will likely serve as a litmus test for the state’s commitment to protecting its youngest citizens from the growing sexualization of public spaces.