Bill > HB5135

This bill, known as the Texas Antidiscrimination Act, aims to prohibit governmental entities in Texas from engaging in discrimination based on race, sex, color, or ethnicity. The bill defines and restricts "discriminatory offices" and "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) programs within state agencies and political subdivisions. Governmental entities are prohibited from establishing discriminatory offices, hiring employees for such offices, giving preferential treatment based on race or sex, requiring employees to participate in DEI programs, spending money on DEI initiatives, or awarding contracts based on race or ethnicity. The bill provides enforcement mechanisms, including allowing individuals to file complaints with the Attorney General, who can then require corrective action plans and potentially withhold tax revenue from non-compliant political subdivisions. State agencies must report their compliance through internal audits, and non-compliant agencies must detail instances of non-compliance and planned remediation. The bill draws on the Texas Constitution's Equal Protection Clause and Equal Rights Amendment, asserting that discrimination is antithetical to the state's constitutional principles. The legislation will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the required immediate-effect vote.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5135