HB5280 - Relating to the consideration by a governmental entity of the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives of a business bidding on a contract with the governmental entity.

  89R5140 RDS-D     By: González of Dallas H.B. No. 5280       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the consideration by a governmental entity of the   diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives of a business bidding   on a contract with the governmental entity.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter Z, Chapter 2252, Government Code, is   amended by adding Section 2252.911 to read as follows:           Sec.   2252.911.     PROHIBITED CONSIDERATIONS IN CONTRACTING.   (a) In this section, "governmental entity" has the meaning assigned   by Section 2252.001.             (b)     Notwithstanding any other law, a governmental entity   may not refuse to award a contract or provide differential   treatment to a person submitting a bid for a contract on the basis   that the person submitting the bid:                 (1)  has a diversity, equity, and inclusion department;                 (2)     solicits employees to provide a diversity, equity,   and inclusion statement; or                   (3)     promotes the participation of an employee resource   group related to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.            SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives   a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as   provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this   Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this   Act takes effect September 1, 2025.