H.B. No. 715 seeks to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity across various contexts, including public accommodations and employment. The bill introduces a new chapter, Chapter 100B, to the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, defining key terms such as "aggrieved person," "discriminatory practice," "gender identity," and "sexual orientation." Individuals who believe they have faced discrimination can file civil actions in district court, with potential awards for damages and attorney's fees if discrimination is found. The bill also exempts religious organizations from these provisions unless they engage in profit-making activities subject to federal taxation.

In addition to creating new protections, the bill amends the Labor Code to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected categories against discrimination in employment practices, requiring state contractors to adopt non-discriminatory policies. It removes previous exclusions of these categories from definitions of unlawful employment practices and housing discrimination, ensuring that discrimination is treated similarly to other forms such as race and sex. The bill establishes that complaints regarding discrimination can be referred to local commissions for investigation and specifies that the changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, with prior conduct governed by existing law. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen protections against discrimination in Texas by including sexual orientation and gender identity alongside other protected categories.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Labor Code 21.002, 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 21.113, 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, 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, Labor Code 21)