89R12402 MLH-D
By: Middleton S.B. No. 2713
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to preventing discrimination in membership in a
professional or trade association or organization.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle C, Title 5, Business & Commerce Code, is
amended by adding Chapter 121 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 121. DISCRIMINATION BY PROFESSIONAL OR TRADE ASSOCIATION
OR ORGANIZATION PROHIBITED
Sec. 121.001. DENIAL OF MEMBERSHIP OR SERVICES. A
professional or trade association or organization may not deny a
person access to or membership or participation in the association
or organization because of race, color, religion, sex, disability,
familial status, or national origin or because of the person's
exercise of the person's freedom of speech or assembly,
notwithstanding any provision of the association's or
organization's bylaws.
Sec. 121.002. PRIVATE CAUSE OF ACTION. (a) A person
aggrieved by a violation of Section 121.001 may bring an action
against the professional or trade association or organization for
injunctive relief or damages.
(b) The court may award court costs and reasonable
attorney's fees to the prevailing party in an action brought under
this section.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.