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Texas would expand what can be defined as sexually explicit material or potentially harmful to children in order to ban books from public and charter school libraries, under a bill given final passage by the state Senate late Tuesday night and sent to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. The Texas move is the latest attempt to ban or regulate reading material in conservative states around the country. Critics say the standards set in the Texas bill are too vague, will snag books that are not inappropriate, and that materials dealing with LGBTQ+ subject matter are more likely to be targeted for bans. The bill passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature defines “sexually explicit material” as anything that includes descriptions, illustrations or audio depicting sexual conduct not relevant to required school curriculum, and prohibits it from school libraries. The bill requires the state’s Library and Archives Commission to adopt standards that schools must follow when purchasing books, and a rating system that would be used to restrict or ban some material. “What we’re talking about is sexually explicit material ... that doesn’t belong in front of the eyes of kids,” said the bill sponsor, Sen. Angela Paxton, a Republican. “They shouldn’t be finding it in their school library.” Abbott, a Republican, previously joined a former GOP lawmaker’s campaign to investigate the use of books in schools covering topics of race, gender identity and sexual orientation. That inquiry included a list of more than 800 books. In April, leaders of a rural central Texas county considered closing their public library system rather than follow a federal judge’s order to return books to the shelves on themes ranging from teen sexuality and gender to bigotry and race. Under the measure passed Tuesday night, book vendors would have to rate books based on depictions or references to sex. "Sexually relevant” material that describes or portrays sex but is part of the required school curriculum could be checked out with a parent's permission. A book would be rated “sexually explicit” if the material is deemed offensive and not part of the required curriculum. Those books would be removed from school bookshelves. State officials will review vendors’ ratings and can request a rating change if they consider it incorrect. School districts and open-enrollment charter schools will be banned from contracting with book sellers who refuse to comply. Read More Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide

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The police officer who has been hailed as a hero for taking down the gunman who killed eight people after opening fire at Allen Premium Outlets in Texas has released a statement saying he’s “doing well.” Three days after the tragic shooting, the officer’s attorney, Zach Horn, released a statement on behalf of the officer to local news outlet WFAA. “He’s doing well and would appreciate privacy and he continues to process this life-altering tragedy,” the statement from Mr Horn read. In the statement, Mr Horn said the officer, who wishes to remain unidentified, “sprinted toward the high power rifle fire as everyone else ran away” to subdue the gunman. “He’s a brave servant with a gentle heart that embodies the best the law enforcement profession has to offer,” Mr Horn added. The Independent has reached out to Mr Horn for comment. The gunman, who has been identified as 33-year-old Mauricio Garcia, was taken down by the officer after killing eight people, including three children, and injuring seven others. Garcia arrived at the Allen Premium Outlets on Saturday (6 May) armed with an AR-15 style rifle, ammunition and body armour. Authorities are unsure what the motive behind Garcia’s attack was though police found he may have had ties to a far-right organisation, white supremacy and possibly neo-Nazism. The shooting is one of over 200 to have occurred in the United States this year so far. More follows. Read More Texas mall shooting – latest: Allen officer who shot ‘neo Nazi’ gunman breaks silence as flags at half mast Gruesome video footage won’t make gun control happen Victims of the Texas mall shooting – everything we know