88R2594 JTZ-D     By: Paxton S.B. No. 413       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to protections for pregnant and parenting students   enrolled in public institutions 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 Section 51.982 to read as follows:          Sec. 51.982.  PROTECTIONS FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING   STUDENTS. (a)  In this section:                (1)  "Institution of higher education" has the meaning   assigned by Section 61.003.                (2)  "Parenting student" means a student who is the   parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 years of age.          (b)  An institution of higher education may not require a   pregnant or parenting student, solely because of the student's   status as a pregnant or parenting student or due to issues related   to the student's pregnancy or parenting, to:                (1)  take a leave of absence or withdraw from the   student's degree or certificate program;                (2)  limit the student's studies;                (3)  participate in an alternative program;                (4)  change the student's major, degree, or certificate   program; or                (5)  refrain from joining or cease participating in any   course, activity, or program at the institution.          (c)  An institution of higher education shall provide   reasonable accommodations to a pregnant student, including   accommodations that:                (1)  would be provided to a student with a temporary   medical condition; or                (2)  are related to the health and safety of the student   and the student's unborn child, such as by allowing the student to   maintain a safe distance from substances, areas, and activities   known to be hazardous to pregnant women or unborn children.          (d)  An institution of higher education shall, for reasons   related to a student's pregnancy, childbirth, or any resulting   medical status or condition:                (1)  excuse the student's absence;                (2)  allow the student to make up missed assignments or   assessments; and                (3)  allow the student additional time to complete   assignments in the same manner as the institution allows for a   student with a temporary medical condition.          (e)  An institution of higher education shall allow a   pregnant or parenting student to:                (1)  take a leave of absence; and                (2)  if in good academic standing at the time the   student takes a leave of absence, return to the student's degree or   certificate program in good academic standing without being   required to reapply for admission.          (f)  Each institution of higher education shall adopt a   policy for students on pregnancy and parenting discrimination. The   policy must be:                (1)  posted in an easily accessible, straightforward   format on the institution's Internet website; and                (2)  made available annually to faculty, staff, and   employees of the institution.          (g)  The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, in   consultation with institutions of higher education, shall adopt   rules as necessary to administer this section. The rules must   establish minimum periods for which a pregnant or parenting student   must be given a leave of absence under Subsection (e). In   establishing those periods, the board shall consider the maximum   amount of time a student may be absent without significantly   interfering with the student's ability to complete the student's   degree or certificate program.          SECTION 2.  Not later than January 15, 2024, each public   institution of higher education shall adopt and post on the   institution's Internet website the policy on pregnancy and   parenting discrimination required under Section 51.982(f),   Education Code, as added by this Act.          SECTION 3.  Section 51.982, Education Code, as added by this   Act, applies beginning with the 2024 spring semester.          SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.