Bill > HB436

This bill prohibits Texas governmental entities (including state agencies, legislative bodies, courts, counties, municipalities, school districts, and charter schools) from compelling employees, job applicants, or contractors to provide diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statements or participate in DEI training that references race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation, unless required by federal law. The legislation specifically prevents these entities from giving preferential hiring consideration based on DEI statements and mandates that they develop policies to discipline employees who violate these restrictions. The bill allows exceptions for academic course instruction, scholarly research, student organization activities, guest speakers, programs enhancing academic achievement, and data collection. Employees or contractors who are required to participate in prohibited training may bring legal action for injunctive and declaratory relief, and the law applies to contracts with bid requests made public on or after its effective date. The bill takes effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature, or otherwise becomes effective on September 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB436