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 legal language requires that all individuals subject to this training complete an implicit bias course that covers various aspects of bias, including its social science background, historical context, and its impact on judicial proceedings. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is tasked with approving the course content and ensuring compliance.

Additionally, the bill mandates that attorneys 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 cultural assumptions, 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 a compliance deadline for current justices and judges to 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)