The state Legislature is more than halfway through its session, but this week three pro-equality bills had hearings in committees.
The House Insurance Committee heard HB 226, which deals with insurance discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and HB 1140, which would allow the University of Texas and Texas A&M systems to offer health benefits to domestic partners. The systems say they need legislation passed to allow them to offer DP benefits under the Texas Insurance Code.
The House Human Services Committee had a hearing on HB 2240, which would study homelessness among the state’s youth and would offer solutions to help lower the number of youth on the street. Estimates show that 40 percent of homeless youth are LGBT, so this is considered a pro-equality bill.
Watch Equality Texas’ weekly legislative update below.
