The bill, H.B. No. 903, proposes the repeal of the offense of homosexual conduct by eliminating Section 21.06 from the Penal Code. This repeal signifies a significant shift in the legal treatment of homosexual conduct in Texas, removing it from the list of criminal offenses. Additionally, the bill amends existing language in the Health and Safety Code, specifically in Sections 85.007(b) and 163.002, to remove references to homosexual conduct as a criminal offense, thereby aligning educational materials with the repeal.

Furthermore, the amended sections maintain a focus on sexual abstinence and responsible sexual behavior while omitting any mention of homosexual conduct as an unacceptable lifestyle. The changes reflect a move towards a more inclusive approach in sexual education, although they still emphasize traditional views on sexual behavior. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 21.06, Health and Safety Code 85.007, Health and Safety Code 21.06 (Penal Code 21, Health and Safety Code 21, Health and Safety Code 85)