The proposed bill, S.B. No. 361, seeks to amend the Texas Labor Code to prohibit employment discrimination based on reproductive decisions. It expands the definition of unlawful employment practices to include discrimination against individuals for their reproductive choices, such as marital status during pregnancy, use of assisted reproduction, contraception, and other reproductive health services. The bill also mandates that employers include information about this prohibition in employee handbooks and renders any mandatory arbitration agreements that limit reproductive decisions void and unenforceable.

In addition to the new provisions, the bill modifies existing sections of the Labor Code to incorporate reproductive decisions alongside other protected categories such as race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin, and age. This includes amendments to sections regarding discrimination by employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, and in training programs. The changes aim to ensure comprehensive protection against discrimination related to reproductive health and decisions, reinforcing the state's commitment to equitable employment practices. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 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 21.120, Labor Code 21.122, Labor Code 21.124, Labor Code 21.125, Labor Code 21.126, Labor Code 21.152, Labor Code 21.155 (Labor Code 21)