S.B. No. 2233 introduces a new section, 51.989, to the Education Code, which establishes a prohibition against certain individuals endorsing or supporting terrorist activities at public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill mandates that institutions adopt policies preventing students and employees holding nonimmigrant visas from publicly endorsing or persuading others to endorse terrorist activities or organizations related to ongoing conflicts. If a violation is reported, institutions are required to investigate in consultation with law enforcement and take disciplinary actions, including suspension or expulsion, based on the severity of the violation.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that institutions cannot knowingly admit or hire individuals who have been suspended or expelled for violations of this policy. The Texas Attorney General is granted the authority to enforce compliance with this section, with the possibility of imposing fines on institutions that fail to adhere to the regulations. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not infringe upon free speech rights protected by the First Amendment or the Texas Constitution. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

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