The bill amends Section 51.9315 of the Education Code to enhance the protection of expressive activities at public institutions of higher education in Texas. It prohibits institutions from taking action against student organizations based on their political, religious, philosophical, ideological, or academic viewpoints, as well as any requirements that the organization’s leaders or members affirm their sincerely held beliefs, comply with standards of conduct, or further the organization’s mission. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions allowing individuals or student organizations to bring legal actions against institutions for violations of these rights, including seeking declaratory judgments or injunctions.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that each day a continuing violation occurs constitutes a separate violation, and it allows individuals to use violations of this section as a defense in any relevant proceedings against them. Importantly, the bill waives the sovereign immunity of institutions concerning liabilities created under this section. The changes will apply only to causes of action that accrue on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 51.9315 (Education Code 51)