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 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; (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; and (4) provide the student with access to instructional materials and video recordings of lectures for classes for which the student has an excused absence under this section to the same extent that instructional materials and video recordings of lectures are made available to any other student with an excused absence. (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: (1) include the contact information for the employee or office of the institution that is the designated point of contact for a student requesting each protection or accommodation under this section; (2) be posted in an easily accessible, straightforward format on the institution's Internet website; and (3) be 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.