According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), SB 810 will have no fiscal impact on the state. The bill does not require additional funding, new regulatory enforcement mechanisms, or administrative costs at the state level. Since it merely prohibits school districts and charter schools from taking disciplinary action against employees for using biologically-based terminology, it does not necessitate any significant budgetary allocations or modifications to existing state programs.

Similarly, no fiscal impact to local governments—including school districts and open-enrollment charter schools—is anticipated. The bill does not create new compliance costs, impose financial penalties, or require staffing adjustments. It primarily serves as a restriction on school districts’ ability to enforce gender-related speech policies but does not compel them to take any new financial actions.

Since the bill does not mandate new training programs, record-keeping, or legal expenditures for enforcement, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) also does not anticipate any fiscal impact. However, some opponents argue that potential legal challenges from students or employees affected by the policy could indirectly increase litigation costs for school districts. These potential legal disputes, while speculative, could create future financial implications depending on how school districts choose to navigate compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws.

SB 810 is a strong affirmation of free speech protections for public school employees, ensuring that they cannot be disciplined, retaliated against, or discriminated against for addressing students or colleagues in terms consistent with their biological sex. The bill upholds individual liberty by protecting teachers and staff from being forced to use language that conflicts with their personal, moral, ethical, or religious beliefs​.

This legislation aligns with personal responsibility by allowing educators to communicate in a manner that is consistent with their deeply held convictions while maintaining a clear and objective standard of biological sex in language. It prevents government overreach into personal expression and shields employees from compelled speech, reinforcing constitutional protections under the First Amendment.

Additionally, SB 810 promotes limited government by curbing the ability of school districts to impose ideological speech policies on employees. While local control is valuable, government institutions—especially public schools—must not force speech mandates that infringe upon the rights of individuals. This bill ensures that school employees are protected from punitive administrative actions that could violate their conscience and free speech rights.

Lastly, the bill does not impose any financial burdens on the state or local governments, as confirmed by the Legislative Budget Board (LBB). There are no anticipated costs for enforcement, nor does it require additional training, legal compliance, or administrative oversight​. Instead, SB 810 provides legal clarity and reinforces workplace protections without expanding bureaucracy.

SB 810 is a pro-liberty, pro-free speech, and pro-limited government measure that upholds the rights of public employees without increasing costs or state intervention. The bill is a necessary safeguard against compelled speech and ensures fair treatment of school employees. As such, Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on SB 810.

• HB 2342 (Similar To)