S.B. No. 1999 aims to protect public employees and students in Texas by prohibiting discrimination, retaliation, or disciplinary actions against individuals who use terms consistent with biological sex when addressing others. The bill introduces new sections to the Education Code and Government Code, specifically adding Section 22.905 to Chapter 22 and Section 51.991 to Chapter 51 of the Education Code, as well as Chapter 621 to the Government Code. These sections clarify that school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and institutions of higher education cannot penalize students or employees for using such terms.

Additionally, the bill specifies that these protections do not limit the ability of educational institutions to implement anti-bullying policies or to prevent harassment as defined under existing laws. The bill also includes definitions relevant to public employers and institutions of higher education. If passed, the act would take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
Senate Committee Report: Subchapter Z, Chapter , Education Code 42.07, Subtitle A, Title , Government Code 42.07 (Subtitle A, Title , Government Code 42, Subchapter Z, Chapter , Education Code 42)
Engrossed: Subchapter Z, Chapter , Education Code 42.07, Subtitle A, Title , Government Code 42.07 (Subtitle A, Title , Government Code 42, Subchapter Z, Chapter , Education Code 42)
House Committee Report: Subchapter Z, Chapter , Education Code 42.07, Subtitle A, Title , Government Code 42.07 (Subtitle A, Title , Government Code 42, Subchapter Z, Chapter , Education Code 42)