S.B. No. 2104 is a legislative bill in Texas that seeks to prohibit discrimination based on military status in both employment and housing practices. The bill amends the Labor Code and Property Code to include "military status" as a protected category, alongside existing categories such as race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin, and age. The definition of "military status" is broadened to cover individuals currently serving in the armed forces, those in reserve components, honorably discharged veterans, and their spouses or children. Importantly, the bill clarifies that these protections do not interfere with programs that provide preferences to military veterans.

In addition to establishing these protections, the bill outlines unlawful employment practices that include discrimination by employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations based on military status. It also addresses housing discrimination, making it illegal to refuse to sell or rent properties based on an individual's military status. The bill further amends the Utilities Code to enhance consumer protections in telecommunications and electric services by prohibiting discrimination based on military status. These changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to conduct occurring on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Labor Code 21.002, Labor Code 21.005, Labor Code 302.154, Labor Code 21.052, Labor Code 21.053, Labor Code 21.054, Labor Code 21.059, Labor Code 21.102, Labor Code 21.112, Labor Code 21.113, Labor Code 21.120, Labor Code 21.122, Labor Code 21.124, Labor Code 21.125, Labor Code 21.126, Labor Code 21.152, Labor Code 21.155, 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, Utilities Code 17.002, Utilities Code 17.004 (Property Code 301, Utilities Code 17, Labor Code 21, Labor Code 302)