By: Middleton S.B. No. 1069               A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the procedure for resolving allegations of religious   discrimination against a student at a public institution of higher   education.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is   amended by adding Sections 51.985 and 51.986 to read as follows:          Sec. 51.985.  PROCEDURE FOR ALLEGATION OF RELIGIOUS   DISCRIMINATION AGAINST STUDENT. (a) In this section, "institution   of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.          (b)  The president of an institution of higher education   shall investigate an allegation submitted to the institution that a   professor or instructor at the institution discriminated against a   student on the basis of religion.          (c)  If the president of an institution of higher education   determines that a professor or instructor at the institution   discriminated against a student on the basis of religion, the   institution shall terminate the professor's or instructor's   employment.          (d)  In investigating an allegation under this section, the   president of an institution of higher education shall ensure that   the professor or instructor is afforded appropriate due process.   The president shall use the standards and procedures prescribed by   institution policies to address other complaints of discrimination   by a professor or instructor at the institution to the extent   practicable.          Sec. 51.986.  CONSERVATORSHIP OF DEPARTMENT. (a) If the   employment of a professor or instructor is terminated under Section   51.985, the department under which the terminated professor or   instructor was employed shall be placed under the conservatorship   of the office of the president.          (b)  The department shall be placed under conservatorship   for a time period of not less than 90 days, until the president   determines that there are no continuing risks of religious   discrimination against any student.          (c)  The president may:                (1)  investigate further risks of religious   discrimination against any student;                (2)  require the adoption of certain policies by the   department to prevent further religious discrimination against any   student; and                (3)  take any action necessary to prevent and remove   any risk of further religious discrimination against any student.           SECTION 2.  Sections 51.985 and 51.986, Education Code, as   added by this Act, applies only to an allegation of religious   discrimination submitted to a public institution of higher   education on or after the effective date of this Act, regardless of   whether the conduct or act that is the subject of the allegation   occurred or was committed before, on, or after the effective date of   this Act.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.