HB 4788

relating to prohibiting public and private institutions of higher
education from accepting federal funding for embryonic or fetal
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 51.994 to read as follows:
Sec. 51.994.  PROHIBITION ON FEDERAL FUNDING FOR EMBRYONIC
OR FETAL STEM CELL RESEARCH.  (a)  In this section, "institution of
higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
(b)  An institution of higher education or a private
institution of higher education may not accept federal funding for
embryonic or fetal stem cell research.
(c)  If the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
determines that a private institution of higher education has
violated this section, for the academic year following the academic
year in which the determination is made:
(1)  the institution may not receive any state money,
(2)  a student enrolled at the institution may not
receive a tuition equalization grant under Subchapter F, Chapter
SECTION 2.  Section 51.994, Education Code, as added by this
Act, applies beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year.
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.