28 Mar RE: Texas LGBTQ+ Chambers Day at the Capitol
At the Texas LGBT Chambers of Commerce, we are fiercely committed to ensuring that Texas remains a beacon for business, innovation, and opportunity. We champion policies that fuel economic development, job creation, and prosperity for all Texans, while standing strong against legislation that threatens our business climate and our communities.
Our focus is clear: water infrastructure, workforce development, education, and expanding access to broadband. These are the issues that move Texas forward. They are the priorities that improve the quality of life for every Texan—our employees, our customers, our families, and those who visit our great state to work and play. We believe that for Texas businesses to continue competing on a global scale, we must foster workplaces and communities that are diverse, inclusive, and welcoming to everyone.
Any legislation that singles out or targets people—especially LGBTQ Texans and visitors—creates unnecessary economic risk. These policies make it harder to attract and retain top-tier talent. They damage our state’s reputation and undermine the competitive advantage Texas has worked so hard to build.
At a time when we need our leaders focused on securing Texas’s water supply, stabilizing our energy grid, and preparing the next generation of Texans for the workforce, divisive legislation is an unneeded distraction. Our members and partners in the business community have long worked hand-in-hand with elected officials to position Texas as a global center for commerce. We look forward to continuing that partnership—keeping Texas open for business and a place where everyone can thrive.
What’s included in the Texas Policy Handbook?
- Find trustworthy updates on Texas bills and committees
- Recognize when it’s time to take action—and what to do
- Track legislation that matters to your business, whether it’s taxes, DEI, workforce development, infrastructure, or other hot topics
- Learn from other business leaders who are engaging the smart way
- Build civic awareness and engagement inside your company
You don’t have to be a lobbyist or policy wonk to make a difference. You just need a plan!
The Texas LGBT Chambers of Commerce is actively tracking and advocating against bills that threaten our businesses and communities. These bills do not represent the inclusive, forward-looking Texas we know and love.
Top Priority Bills
HB 239 / SB 240 – Bathroom Bills –
We’ve been here before. And we defeated it—twice. These discriminatory bills are back and remain bad for business, bad for tourism, and harmful to Texas’s reputation. In 2017, we saw the economic toll these measures threatened. We cannot allow this history to repeat itself.
SB 2149 – Anti-DEI Bill Targeting Energy Companies
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This legislation is a direct attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Texas’s critical energy sector. Businesses—not government—should decide how to manage their workplaces and talent strategies. This bill undermines corporate autonomy and jeopardizes progress in workplace inclusion.
(Also referenced in the latest bill report, SB 2149 remains a top concern for businesses across Texas.)
HB 370 – Events Trust Fund Restrictions
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This bill risks putting Texas’s ability to attract and host major events—from conferences to sports to festivals—on the line. It creates unnecessary obstacles that make it harder to compete for major economic opportunities.
SB 2804 – Expanding the Definition of Sexually Oriented Businesses
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This legislation is overly broad and may directly impact LGBTQ-owned small businesses, including bars and entertainment venues that are vital to our communities and economies.
Bills of Concern
“Don’t Say Gay” – SB 12
Bill Passed out of the Senate, this dangerous bill would erase LGBTQ representation and silence affirming conversations in schools. It’s bad for students, bad for teachers, and bad for Texas.
Parental Bills of Rights
These bills further threaten LGBTQ+ youth and families:
- HB 7
- SB 112
- SJR 12
DEI Under Attack
A growing list of anti-DEI bills is making its way through the legislature. We are working closely with legal experts to analyze the implications of each. Some of the many bills we are tracking:
- HB 167, HB 436, HB 843, HB 2821, HB 2899, HB 3075, HB 3573, HB 3742, HB 4040, HB 4349, HB 4496, HB 4499, HB 4552, HB 5158, HB 5202
- SB 689, SB 2446, SB 2614, SB 2714, SB 2803
Document and Identity Bills
We are opposing bills that create undue barriers for transgender and nonbinary Texans to have accurate identification documents and access essential healthcare services.
- HB 980 – Birth Certificate Restrictions
- HB 3817 – Criminalizing Gender Identity
- SB 1188, SB 1257 – Discriminatory Healthcare Record Legislation
- SJR 42 – A Constitutional Amendment Limiting Gender Recognition
“Don’t Say Gay” Legislation
These bills are designed to silence LGBTQ Texans in education, healthcare, and public life. We’re keeping a close eye on:
- HB 344, HB 789, HB 947, HB 973, HB 976, HB 995, HB 2846, HB 3411, HB 3478, HB 3548, HB 3616, HB 3842, HB 4001, HB 4002, HB 4003, HB 4318, HB 4381, HB 4425
- HJR 28, HJR 92, HJR 112, HJR 155
- SB 12, SB 619, SB 810, SB 983, SB 1073, SB 1127, SB 1565, SB 1999, SB 2749
Municipal Bills & Additional Concerns
These additional bills could have broad implications for LGBTQ communities, our member businesses, and local economies:
- HB 2433 - Relating to hotel occupancy taxes collected by accommodation intermediaries. This could impact tourism and the ability of cities to fund inclusive, community-centered events. Status: Referred to Ways & Means
- HB 1715 - Requires certain provisions in governmental contracts regarding handgun carrying. Public safety concerns could affect participation in events and the welcoming environment we seek to create. Status: Referred to State Affairs
- HB 636 - Establishes a statewide homeless data sharing network. We are monitoring for privacy concerns, particularly regarding vulnerable LGBTQ individuals experiencing homelessness. Status: Left pending in Intergovernmental Affairs
- SB 878 - Places limitations on the use of public money under certain economic development agreements. We are monitoring for potential negative impacts on municipal DEI efforts and inclusive economic growth programs. Status: Left pending in Senate Economic Development
- HB 470 - Addresses law enforcement responsibilities in the Capitol Complex. Potential implications for public safety during advocacy days and community engagement events. Status: Left pending in State Affairs
- HB 23 - Expands authority to obtain third-party reviews of plats and property development plans. We are watching for potential impacts on affordable and inclusive housing initiatives. Status: Left pending in Land & Resource Management
We will continue updating you on the bills we are watching!
In Pride,
Texas LGBTQ+ Chambers of Commerce