Texas HB167

PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES [...] (a) A governmental entity shall ensure that each unit of the entity: (1) does not, except as required by federal law: (A) establish or maintain a diversity, equity, and inclusion office; (B) hire or assign an employee of the entity or contract with a third party to perform the duties of a diversity, equity, and inclusion office; (C) compel, require, induce, or solicit any person to provide a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement or give preferential consideration to any person based on the provision of a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement; (D) give preference on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin to an applicant for employment, an employee, or a participant in any function of the entity; or (E) require as a condition of employment any person to participate in diversity, equity, and inclusion training, which: (i) includes a training, program, or activity designed or implemented in reference to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation; and (ii) does not include a training, program, or activity developed for the purpose of ensuring compliance with any applicable federal law; and (2) adopts policies and procedures for appropriately disciplining, including by termination, an employee or contractor of the entity who engages in conduct in violation of Subdivision (1).

LIABILITY FOR CERTAIN DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES Sec. 621.101. LIABILITY FOR CERTAIN INITIATIVES. The following individuals may bring an action against a governmental entity that violates Section 621.051: (1) an employee of the governmental entity; or (2) an individual who resides in an area served by the governmental entity. Sec. 621.102. REMEDIES. (a) A claimant is entitled to recover in an action brought under this chapter: (1) declaratory and injunctive relief; and (2) costs and reasonable attorney's fees.