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 job applicants to provide DEI statements or participate in DEI training, except as required by federal law. The bill mandates that governmental entities adopt policies to discipline employees who violate these provisions. Additionally, it clarifies that the prohibition does not apply to academic instruction, scholarly research, student organization activities, guest speakers, programs aimed at enhancing student achievement, or data collection.

Furthermore, 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 specifies that any person not awarded a contract due to these prohibited requirements may seek injunctive and declaratory relief against the entity. 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 immediate upon a two-thirds vote or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

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