TX
Texas House Bill HB715

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB715

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

Caption

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity; providing an administrative penalty.

Impact

If enacted, HB 715 would amend existing laws to make it an unlawful employment practice for employers, labor organizations, and employment agencies to allow discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It would require state contractors to adopt employment policies that prohibit such discrimination, with consequences including administrative penalties for non-compliance. Moreover, the bill extends protections to housing, prohibiting discrimination in renting or selling homes based on these characteristics. These changes are likely to enhance legal recourse for individuals seeking to address discrimination in both employment and housing sectors and support a more inclusive environment in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 715 focuses on the prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the state of Texas. The bill introduces comprehensive amendments to the Labor Code and the Property Code to reinforce protections for individuals against discrimination in various contexts, including employment and public accommodations. It defines sexual orientation and gender identity, establishes legal definitions for discriminatory practices, and specifies provisions related to the civil rights of individuals facing such discrimination. The bill makes specific reference to the enforcement of these prohibitions, thereby aiming to strengthen the legal framework surrounding civil rights in the state.

Contention

While supporters of HB 715 advocate for the necessity of these protections to safeguard marginalized communities, opponents may express concerns regarding potential encroachments on religious freedoms and the implications for their businesses. The bill includes provisions that exempt certain religious organizations from its requirements unless engaging in commercial activities. This aspect could spark discourse on the balance between civil rights protections and the rights of individuals or entities to operate according to their religious beliefs, underscoring the divisive nature of legislation that affects social equity and individual freedoms.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Property Code

  • Chapter 301. Texas Fair Housing Act
    • Section: 171
    • Section: 042
    • Section: 068
    • Section: 023
    • Section: 024
    • Section: 026
    • Section: 027

Labor Code

  • Chapter 21. Employment Discrimination
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 120
    • Section: 122
    • Section: 124
    • Section: 125
    • Section: 126

Government Code

  • Chapter 2155. Purchasing: General Rules And Procedures
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB256

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB850

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression; providing an administrative penalty.

TX SB274

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB1806

Relating to the prohibition of employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

TX HB725

Relating to prohibiting certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

TX HB265

Relating to the prohibition of housing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and to the enforcement of that prohibition.

TX HB1012

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination; authorizing civil penalties.

TX SB110

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination; authorizing civil penalties.

TX HB3918

Relating to the prohibition, prevention, and remedying of certain discrimination.

TX HB1541

Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting certain instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity; authorizing a civil penalty.

Similar Bills

TX HB1111

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB256

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB850

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB2524

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB2692

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB165

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression; providing an administrative penalty; creating an offense.

TX HB1534

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression; providing an administrative penalty; creating an offense.

TX SB38

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense.