The bill, H.B. No. 436, introduces new regulations regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statements and training for certain governmental entities in Texas. It establishes Chapter 621 in the Government Code, which prohibits these entities from compelling employees or applicants to provide DEI statements or participate in DEI training, except as required by federal law. The bill outlines that governmental entities must adopt policies to discipline employees who violate these provisions and clarifies that the restrictions do not apply to academic instruction, scholarly research, or student organization activities.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 2252.911 of the Government Code to prevent governmental entities from requiring DEI statements or training as a condition for bidding on contracts. It allows individuals who are denied contracts based on these prohibited criteria to seek legal relief. The provisions of this bill will apply only to contracts for which bids or proposals are publicly requested after the bill's effective date, which is contingent on legislative approval for immediate effect or set for September 1, 2025, if not approved.

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