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 violation continues constitutes a separate offense, and it allows individuals to use violations as a defense in any related proceedings. Importantly, it waives the sovereign immunity of institutions concerning liabilities created under this section. The provisions of this bill will apply only to causes of action that accrue on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, while those that accrued prior will be governed by the previous law.

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