Texas Senate Bill SB1797

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/3/25

Caption

Relating to a prohibition against the consideration of race or ethnicity as a factor when appointing the members of a state board, commission, or other state agency with statewide jurisdiction.

Impact

The implications of SB1797 are significant, as it amends existing provisions in the Government Code that traditionally encouraged appointing authorities to consider racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity when making appointments. By removing these considerations, the bill may affect the demographic representation on state boards, which can have downstream effects on policy-making and the perspectives present in decision-making bodies. The transition to a non-race-based appointment system may also stir discussions on how to ensure diversity and representation in state governance moving forward.

Summary

Senate Bill 1797 introduces a modification to Texas state law regarding the appointment of members to state boards and commissions with statewide jurisdiction. Specifically, the bill seeks to prohibit the consideration of race or ethnicity as factors in these appointments. This legislative change may alter how diversity is approached in the composition of state boards and commissions, as it aims to strike a balance between representation and merit without factoring in racial or ethnic identities.

Contention

The proposal has sparked debate, particularly around the themes of meritocracy versus diversity. Proponents of SB1797 argue that the bill promotes a merit-based system that allows appointing authorities to select the most qualified individuals without the constraints of predefined diversity metrics. Conversely, opponents assert that the bill could lead to a regression in the progress made toward equitable representation on state boards, potentially exacerbating existing disparities in governance. The balance between these competing priorities remains a central point of contention among legislators and advocacy groups.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 467. Texas Lottery Commission
  • Section: 021

• Chapter 651. General Provisions
  • Section: 009