TX
Texas Senate Bill SB2233

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2233

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to a prohibition on certain persons supporting terrorist activity at public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The implications of SB2233 are far-reaching, particularly in how public institutions of higher education manage their student and faculty populations. Specifically, if a student or employee is found in violation of the bill's provisions, the consequences include a suspension for the first violation and expulsion or termination of employment for a second violation. These measures not only impose potential disciplinary actions but also require institutions to report violations to federal authorities, potentially affecting the immigration status of the individuals involved. The bill thereby creates a mechanism of compliance that ties local institutional policies to federal immigration regulations.

Summary

Senate Bill 2233 introduces a legal framework within Texas law aimed at addressing concerns regarding individuals in higher education who hold nonimmigrant visas and their engagement in activities deemed as supporting terrorist organizations or activities. The bill mandates that each institution of higher education implement a policy that prohibits such individuals from publicly supporting terrorist activities related to ongoing conflicts and persuading others to support them. This bill aims to enhance campus security and align institutional policies with national security interests.

Contention

The proposed legislation has raised concerns regarding its implications on academic freedom and the treatment of international students and faculty. Critics argue that the definition of 'terrorist activity' could be broadly interpreted, leading to the marginalization of nonimmigrant communities and chilling effects on free speech within academic environments. There is also apprehension about the potential discrimination against specific groups, possibly creating an atmosphere of fear rather than one of open inquiry and diversity, which higher education institutions typically promote.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
    • Section: New Section

Latest SB2233 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

TX HB1927

Relating to provisions governing the carrying of a firearm by a person who is 21 years of age or older and not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from possessing the firearm and to other provisions related to the carrying, possessing, transporting, or storing of a firearm or other weapon; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB736

Relating to online information and resources regarding public institutions of higher education and career schools and colleges.

CA SB372

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: exemptions.

WY HB0291

Financial institution discrimination.

TX SB445

Relating to an informed student document for prospective students of certain public institutions of higher education.

TX SB1094

Relating to the payment of certain education expenses using the state's programs for paying, prepaying, or saving toward the costs of attending an institution of higher education.

TX HB937

Relating to the carrying of handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of higher education; amending provisions subject to a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.