By: Reynolds H.B. No. 4143
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to initiatives for first-generation students, low-income
students, or underserved student populations at public
institutions of higher education.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 51.3525, Chapter 51, Education Code, is
amended by amending Subsection (a) and (c) to read as follows:
Sec. 51.3525. RESPONSIBILITY OF GOVERNING BOARDS REGARDING
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES. (a) In this
section, "diversity, equity, and inclusion office" means an office,
division, or other unit of an institution of higher education
established for the purpose of:
(1) deliberately or intentionally influencing hiring
or employment practices at the institution with respect to race,
sex, color, or ethnicity, other than through the use of color-blind
and sex-neutral hiring processes in accordance with any applicable
state and federal antidiscrimination laws;
(2) deliberately or intentionally promoting
differential treatment of or providing special benefits to
individuals on the basis of race, color, or ethnicity;
(3) promoting policies or procedures designed or
implemented in reference to race, color, or ethnicity, other than
policies or procedures approved in writing by the institution's
general counsel and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
for the sole purpose of ensuring compliance with any applicable
court order or state or federal law; or
(4) conducting trainings, programs, or activities
designed or implemented in reference to race, color, ethnicity,
gender identity, or sexual orientation, other than trainings,
programs, or activities developed by an attorney and approved in
writing by the institution's general counsel and the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board for the sole purpose of ensuring
compliance with any applicable court order or state or federal law.
(c) Nothing in this section may be construed to limit or
prohibit an institution of higher education or an employee of an
institution of higher education from, for purposes of applying for
a grant or complying with the terms of accreditation by an
accrediting agency, submitting to the grantor or accrediting agency
a statement that:
(1)highlights the institution's work in supporting:
(A) first-generation college students;
(B) low-income students; or
(C) underserved student populations; or
(2) certifies compliance with state and federal
antidiscrimination laws.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect January 1, 2026.