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HB 978

Relating to prohibiting a public institution of higher education from considering a student's immigration status for purposes of the institution's disciplinary process.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Briscoe Cain

Texas bill prohibits public colleges from considering student immigration status in campus discipline decisions, protecting undocumented students but raising federal compliance questions.

Referred to Higher Education
#aliens(i0032) #education--higher--general(i0231)
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Bill Summary · HB 978

Legislative bill overview

HB 978 would prohibit Texas public universities and colleges from considering a student's immigration status when making disciplinary decisions. The bill restricts institutions from using immigration status as a factor in campus conduct proceedings, investigations, or sanctions.

Why is this important

Immigration status significantly affects students' vulnerability and access to higher education. This bill could protect undocumented and mixed-status students from potential deportation risks tied to campus discipline, while raising questions about institutional autonomy and reporting obligations to federal authorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal compliance conflicts: Public institutions may face tension between state law restrictions and federal immigration enforcement requests or legal obligations under existing agreements with ICE
  • Institutional liability concerns: Universities may worry about legal exposure if disciplinary decisions fail to account for relevant context, or if they're accused of sheltering students involved in serious violations
  • Scope ambiguity: Unclear whether the prohibition applies to discipline decisions only or extends to other institutional processes like housing, financial aid, or emergency situations where immigration status might be relevant

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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