Adds 'gender identity' (defined without regard to sex at birth) as a protected characteristic in public accommodations, employment, housing, and state contracting, prohibiting discrimination based on it and creating civil actions and penalties, so greater legal recognition and access for transgender
"Gender identity" means the gender-related identity, appearance, or other gender-related characteristics of an individual with or without regard to the individual's designated sex at birth.
Why the model tagged it this way: The bill adds explicit protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (with a definition of gender identity independent of birth sex) across public accommodations (with narrow exceptions for certain supportive services), employment (Labor Code amendments), housing (Property Code amendments), and state contracting. These changes expand legal recognition of and protections for transgender and gender-nonconforming people. No provisions address healthcare, sports, bathrooms, IDs, abortion, firearms, immigration, or custody/support.
Related bills
HB805Relating to a task force to study the legal and societal barriers to equality for transgender persons.↑Expands transgender recognition & access↑Expands transgender recognition & access Filed
HB810Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression; providing an administrat↑Expands transgender recognition & access Filed
SB154Relating to a criminal offense committed against a person because of bias or prejudice on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity↑Expands transgender recognition & access Filed
SB37Relating to fetal development instruction included as part of the public school health curriculum in certain grade levels.↓Restricts abortion access=No change to transgender recognition & access Died (session ended)