The bill, H.B. No. 1363, aims to implement mandatory implicit bias training for justices, judges, judicial officers, court personnel, and attorneys in Texas. It amends Chapter 56 of the Government Code, changing the heading to "Judicial and Court Personnel Training Fund" and designating existing sections as Subchapter A while adding a new Subchapter B specifically focused on judicial training. The new provisions require that individuals in these roles complete a two-hour implicit bias course every two years, covering topics such as the social science of implicit bias, its historical context, and strategies to mitigate its impact on judicial proceedings. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is tasked with approving the courses and ensuring compliance.

Additionally, the bill mandates that all licensed attorneys in Texas complete continuing education on implicit bias and bias-reducing strategies, requiring one hour of training for each compliance period. The State Bar of Texas will approve the courses, which must include discussions on recognizing and addressing implicit biases, examining stereotypes, and understanding the effects of diversity on judicial processes. The bill sets a deadline for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to adopt necessary rules by January 1, 2026, and establishes that current justices and judges must complete their training by January 1, 2028. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 56.005, Government Code 56.006, Government Code 56.007 (Government Code 56)
House Committee Report: Government Code 56.005, Government Code 56.006, Government Code 56.007 (Government Code 56)