H.B. No. 1280, titled the Texas Government Anti-discrimination Act of 2025, aims to prohibit discriminatory practices by governmental employers based on personal identity characteristics such as race, color, ethnicity, sex, national origin, or religion. The bill introduces a new chapter in the Texas Government Code, which defines "prohibited discriminatory practices," "prohibited submissions," and "prohibited training." It outlines that governmental employers cannot engage in practices that promote differential treatment or require submissions that articulate an individual's views on policies related to discrimination. Additionally, the bill specifies that any training promoting such discriminatory practices is also prohibited.
The legislation establishes remedies and penalties for violations, allowing individuals to seek legal action against governmental employers engaging in prohibited practices. Offenses committed by individuals on behalf of governmental employers can result in misdemeanor charges, with penalties including fines and possible jail time. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, unless it receives a two-thirds vote for immediate effect.