S.B. No. 2713 aims to prevent discrimination in membership within professional or trade associations in Texas by introducing Chapter 121 to the Business & Commerce Code. The bill prohibits associations from denying access, membership, or participation based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, or an individual's exercise of free speech or assembly, regardless of the association's bylaws. However, it allows associations to deny membership if an individual has engaged in speech that incites criminal activity, poses a specific threat of violence, or constitutes unlawful speech. Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not apply to associations whose membership is exclusively based on the aforementioned characteristics.

The bill also establishes a private cause of action for individuals who believe they have been wronged under this new law, allowing them to seek injunctive relief or damages against the association. Courts may award costs and reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party in such cases. This legislation is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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