HB 1556 – Miller, R
HB 1911 – Leach
SB 343 – Huffines
SB 1155 – Perry
The cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and Houston have passed local ordinances prohibiting employment discrimination based on bias against individual’s sexual orientation. Additionally Fort Worth, Houston and Austin have similar protections against employment discrimination based on gender identity or expression. Locally elected officials have determined that these ordinances are needed. In some cases the ordinances have been in effect for over a decade. These bills would take away the ability of local governments to pass or enforce non-discrimination ordinances. The State of Texas should respect the ability of local officials to make local decisions and not pass laws to restrict local control over such ordinances.