Bill > SB306

This bill amends the Texas Education Code to strengthen protections for expressive activities and student organizations at public institutions of higher education. The bill prohibits higher education institutions from taking action against or denying benefits to student organizations based on their political, religious, philosophical, ideological, or academic viewpoints, or based on the organization's requirements for leadership and membership, such as affirming the organization's beliefs or complying with its standards of conduct. The bill provides a mechanism for individuals or student organizations to seek legal recourse if their expressive rights are violated, allowing them to file for a declaratory judgment or an injunction within one year of the alleged violation. Each day a violation continues is considered a separate violation, and individuals can raise these violations as a defense or counterclaim in civil, administrative, or disciplinary proceedings. Importantly, the bill waives the institution's sovereign immunity, allowing students and organizations to sue the institution for violations of these expressive rights. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to causes of action that accrue on or after that date.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB306