Bill > HB170

This bill expands anti-discrimination protections in Texas by adding sexual orientation, gender identity, and military veteran status as protected categories across multiple areas of state law, including employment, housing, and public accommodations. The bill creates a new chapter in the Business & Commerce Code establishing comprehensive protections against discrimination in public accommodations, prohibiting businesses from refusing service or treating individuals differently based on these new protected characteristics. In employment law, the bill modifies existing statutes to prevent discrimination by employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, and in training programs. For housing, the bill updates the Property Code to prevent discrimination in selling, renting, advertising, and accessing real estate services. The bill allows the Texas Workforce Commission to investigate complaints, provides mechanisms for administrative and judicial enforcement, and permits civil actions with potential compensatory and punitive damages. Importantly, the bill includes specific definitions for terms like "sexual orientation" (meaning heterosexuality, bisexuality, or homosexuality) and "military veteran" (an honorably discharged service member), and provides some exemptions, such as for military veteran preference programs. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to conduct occurring on or after that date.

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=HB170