The bill is based on debunked claims that public schools were encouraging so-called furries. Lawmakers have used the claims to funnel public funds to private schools.

A new bill introduced in the Texas House of Representatives Thursday by state Rep. Stan Gerdes (R-Smithville)— which would be known as the FURRIES Act— seeks to ban "non-human behavior" in schools, including meowing or hissing, wearing leashes or collars, and the use of litter boxes.

A Texas bill would ban students from dressing or acting like animals in school, including wearing tails, using litter boxes, or making animal noises.

Several years ago, claims about children in public schools being allowed to use litterboxes were exposed as internet hoaxes — but one Texas Republican doesn't seem to have received that message. Chron.