H.B. No. 1601 introduces Chapter 100B to the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, establishing protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. The bill defines key terms such as "aggrieved person" and "public accommodation," and prohibits discriminatory practices in public accommodations, allowing individuals to file civil actions for relief. It also clarifies that religious organizations are generally exempt from these provisions unless they engage in profit-making activities subject to federal taxation. Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Education Code to mandate that school districts prohibit discrimination and harassment, provide training, and report incidents.

The bill further amends the Family Code to ensure inclusivity for same-sex couples by changing the definition of marriage to "two individuals" and updating gender-specific terminology to be gender-neutral. It introduces provisions for name changes and gender marker updates on official documents without surgical requirements, and clarifies the definitions of "parent" and "spouse" to be inclusive of all individuals. The bill also expands the Property Code to include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity or expression" as protected classes in housing-related transactions, prohibiting various forms of discrimination. It allows for the deferral of complaints to municipalities certified as fair housing agencies and sets the effective date for the new provisions to September 1, 2025, with certain conditions for immediate effect.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 12.104, Estates Code 121.151, Estates Code 1104.001, Family Code 2.001, Family Code 2.004, Family Code 2.401, Family Code 2.402, Family Code 3.401, Family Code 6.104, Family Code 6.202, Family Code 6.203, Family Code 6.704, Family Code 101.024, Family Code 108.009, Family Code 152.310, Family Code 153.312, Family Code 153.313, Family Code 159.316, Family Code 162.014, Government Code 24.601, Government Code 573.025, Health and Safety Code 85.007, Health and Safety Code 21.06, Occupations Code 21.06, Penal Code 21.11, Property Code 301.003, Property Code 301.021, Property Code 301.022, Property Code 301.023, Property Code 301.024, Property Code 301.026, Property Code 301.027, Property Code 301.042, Property Code 301.068, Property Code 301.171 (Occupations Code 21, Family Code 108, Estates Code 1104, Family Code 2, Property Code 301, Education Code 12, Family Code 152, Family Code 3, Government Code 24, Government Code 573, Family Code 6, Penal Code 21, Family Code 162, Family Code 153, Health and Safety Code 85, Family Code 159, Health and Safety Code 21, Estates Code 121, Family Code 101)