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HB 1164

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination; authorizing civil penalties.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Nicole Collier and 5 co-sponsors

Texas HB 1164 prohibits specified discrimination and establishes civil penalties for violations, expanding anti-discrimination enforcement mechanisms across the state.

Referred to State Affairs
#attorneygeneral(v2811) #civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #discrimination(s0052) #genderidentity&expression(s0767) #humanrelations(i0410) #labor--general(i0500) #military&veterans(i0535) #sexualorientation(s0085) #workforcecommission #texas(v0470)
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Bill Summary · HB 1164

Legislative bill overview

HB 1164 prohibits certain forms of discrimination and establishes civil penalty mechanisms to enforce anti-discrimination protections. The bill was filed in November 2024, read for the first time in March 2025, and referred to the State Affairs Committee. The specific categories of discrimination covered and penalty amounts are not detailed in the basic bill information provided.

Why is this important

Anti-discrimination legislation directly affects employment, housing, public accommodations, and other sectors where discrimination complaints are common. Civil penalties create enforcement mechanisms beyond voluntary compliance, potentially impacting businesses, organizations, and individuals subject to these rules. The scope and enforceability of such protections significantly influence access to services and economic opportunity across Texas.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope definition: Disagreement over which protected classes or conduct types should be included (race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, etc.) versus potential overreach concerns
  • Penalty structure: Debate over whether civil penalty amounts are proportionate, whether they adequately deter violations, or whether they create undue burden on small businesses or organizations
  • Enforcement mechanism: Questions about who enforces the law (state agency, private right of action, both), complaint procedures, burden of proof standards, and potential for frivolous claims

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

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