H.B. No. 4177, titled the "Freedom of Speech Act," aims to amend the Government Code regarding eligibility for state contracts. The bill specifies that a person or company is ineligible to apply for or enter into agreements with the state if they are listed as ineligible under certain chapters of the Government Code. Notably, it updates the relevant chapters from 808 and 809 to 809 and 2270, while also repealing Chapter 2400.0015 and several other chapters, including 808, 809, 2271, and 2274.

The bill emphasizes the state's stance against contracting with companies that engage in boycotts or discrimination against specific entities. It seeks to streamline the legal framework governing state contracts by removing outdated provisions and clarifying the eligibility criteria for companies seeking to do business with the state. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025.

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