89R949 KJE-D By: Cain H.B. No. 978 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to prohibiting a public institution of higher education from considering a student's immigration status for purposes of the institution's disciplinary process. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 51.9365 to read as follows: Sec. 51.9365. CERTAIN CONSIDERATIONS IN DISCIPLINARY PROCESS PROHIBITED. (a) In this section, "institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003. (b) An institution of higher education may not consider a student's immigration status in making any determination related to the institution's disciplinary process. 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 September 1, 2025.