H.B. No. 617 aims to prohibit housing discrimination based on veteran status in Texas. The bill amends various sections of the Property Code to include "veteran status" as a protected category alongside race, color, religion, sex, familial status, and national origin. Specifically, it adds a definition for "veteran status" and incorporates this category into existing provisions that prohibit discrimination in the sale or rental of dwellings, advertising, and real estate transactions. The bill also ensures that complaints regarding discrimination based on veteran status are not deferred to municipalities that lack corresponding laws.

Additionally, the bill outlines that the Texas Workforce Commission may not defer complaints related to veteran status to municipalities without adequate protections. It clarifies that the changes will apply only to complaints filed after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Overall, this legislation seeks to enhance protections for veterans in housing and real estate transactions, ensuring they are treated fairly and without discrimination.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Property Code 301.003, Property Code 301.021, Property Code 301.022, Property Code 301.023, Property Code 301.024, Property Code 301.026, Property Code 301.027, Property Code 301.042, Property Code 301.068, Property Code 301.171 (Property Code 301)