Bill > HB167

This bill, known as the Ending Institutional Racism Act, aims to prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and certain considerations based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation in governmental entities. The bill establishes comprehensive restrictions on DEI offices and practices, prohibiting governmental entities from creating diversity offices, giving preferential treatment in hiring or contracting, requiring diversity statements, or mandating DEI training that references race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Governmental entities, including state agencies, legislative bodies, judicial branches, counties, municipalities, and charter schools, must ensure their units do not engage in these practices. The bill allows employees or local residents to bring legal action against entities that violate these provisions, with potential remedies including declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees. Additionally, the bill modifies multiple existing laws to remove references to minority, women-owned, or race-based business considerations in contracting and economic development programs, effectively standardizing government contracting to focus on color-blind and sex-neutral approaches. The changes will apply to contracts entered into on or after September 1, 2025, with the goal of eliminating what the bill's sponsors see as discriminatory practices in government operations.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB167