House Bill No. 4349 seeks to prohibit public institutions of higher education in Texas from providing funding to student organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The bill introduces a new section, 51.991, to the Education Code, which defines DEI initiatives as those that offer differential treatment or special benefits based on race, color, or ethnicity. Under this new provision, institutions are barred from funding any student organization that adopts DEI policies, holds events related to DEI, has dedicated officers for DEI, or promotes DEI initiatives in any capacity.

Additionally, the bill allows individuals who believe they have been wronged by a violation of this prohibition to file complaints with the attorney general, who is empowered to seek injunctive relief against non-compliant institutions. The provisions of this act are set to take effect starting with the 2025-2026 academic year, and it will become effective immediately if it secures a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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