The proposed bill, H.B. No. 302, seeks to amend the Texas Labor Code to prohibit employment discrimination based on reproductive decisions. Key amendments include the addition of "reproductive decisions" to the list of protected categories in various sections, including those concerning discrimination by employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations. Specifically, the bill expands the definition of unlawful employment practices to include discrimination related to marital status during pregnancy, the use of assisted reproduction, contraception, and other reproductive health services. Additionally, it mandates that employers include information about this prohibition in employee handbooks and renders any mandatory arbitration agreements that limit reproductive decisions void and unenforceable.

The bill also clarifies that discrimination based on reproductive decisions applies not only to the employee but also to their spouse, partner, dependents, and other family members. It emphasizes that any discriminatory practices related to reproductive decisions are considered unlawful, thereby reinforcing protections against such discrimination in the workplace. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and the bill stipulates that claims of discrimination based on conduct occurring before this date will be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Labor Code 21.051, Labor Code 21.052, Labor Code 21.053, Labor Code 21.054, Labor Code 21.059, Labor Code 21.102, Labor Code 21.112, Labor Code 21.120, Labor Code 21.122, Labor Code 21.124, Labor Code 21.125, Labor Code 21.126, Labor Code 21.152, Labor Code 21.155 (Labor Code 21)