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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to preventing discrimination in membership in a |
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professional or trade association or organization. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subtitle C, Title 5, Business & Commerce Code, is |
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amended by adding Chapter 121 to read as follows: |
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CHAPTER 121. DISCRIMINATION BY PROFESSIONAL OR TRADE ASSOCIATION |
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OR ORGANIZATION PROHIBITED |
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Sec. 121.001. DENIAL OF MEMBERSHIP OR SERVICES. A |
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professional or trade association or organization may not deny a |
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person access to or membership or participation in the association |
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or organization because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, |
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familial status, or national origin or because of the person's |
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exercise of the person's freedom of speech or assembly, |
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notwithstanding any provision of the association's or |
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organization's bylaws. |
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Sec. 121.002. PRIVATE CAUSE OF ACTION. (a) A person |
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aggrieved by a violation of Section 121.001 may bring an action |
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against the professional or trade association or organization for |
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injunctive relief or damages. |
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(b) The court may award court costs and reasonable |
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attorney's fees to the prevailing party in an action brought under |
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this section. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025. |