Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB729

Filed

11/12/24

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB729 would significantly enhance the protections afforded to LGBTQ individuals within the housing market, aligning Texas' laws with a growing trend among states to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes. By implementing these changes, the bill would facilitate equal access to housing opportunities and decrease the incidence of discriminatory practices. Additionally, the revised law mandates that any complaint regarding discrimination based on these criteria be addressed under the new guidelines from the effective date forward.

Summary

House Bill 729 seeks to address discrimination in housing based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This bill amends multiple sections of the Property Code to ensure that individuals are protected from discriminatory practices during the sale or rental of dwellings. Specifically, the bill prohibits actions that deny, limit, or discriminate against individuals because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, thereby expanding the current anti-discrimination laws that already include race, color, religion, sex, familial status, and national origin.

Contention

Notably, the bill may face opposition from certain religious organizations that argue against state intervention in their housing operations, given their religious beliefs. HB729 contains provisions that allow religious organizations to prioritize the sale or rental of their properties to individuals of the same religion, which could result in contrasting opinions about the interpretation of fairness in housing. The discussions surrounding this bill may also reflect broader societal debates about LGBTQ rights, making it a point of contention among lawmakers.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Property Code

Chapter 301. Texas Fair Housing Act
- Section: New Section
- Section: 021
- Section: 022
- Section: 023
- Section: 024
- Section: 027
- Section: 042
- Section: 068
- Section: 171

Latest HB729 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

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Civil rights: general discrimination; discrimination because of ethnicity, including discrimination because of Jewish heritage; prohibit under the Elliot-Larsen civil rights act. Amends title & secs. 102, 103, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 209, 210, 301, 302, 302a, 402, 501, 502, 504, 505, 506 & 507 of 1976 PA 453 (MCL 37.2102 et seq.).

MI SB0004

Civil rights: general discrimination; sexual orientation and gender identity or expression; include as categories protected under the Elliott-Larsen civil rights act. Amends title & secs. 102, 103, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 209, 301, 302, 302a, 402, 501, 502, 504, 505 & 506 of 1976 PA 453 (MCL 37.2102 et seq.).

MI HB4003

MI HB4548

Civil rights: general discrimination; discrimination because of ethnicity, including discrimination because of Jewish heritage; prohibit under the Elliot-Larsen civil rights act. Amends title & secs. 102, 103, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 209, 210, 301, 302, 302a, 402, 502, 504, 505, 506 & 507 of 1976 PA 453 (MCL 37.2102 et seq.).