Senate Bill 121 – Prohibits discrimination against a person based on their sexual orientation – defined as heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality – whether the orientation is real or perceived in areas of housing, employment, public works contracting, public accommodations or insurance. State law already prohibits discrimination based on age, religion, gender, race, marital status and physical handicap. Four previous incarnations of the legislation have passed the House, including House Bill 5 earlier this session.

Status: SIGNED

House Bill 112  – Allows competent adults to receive visits in a hospital, nursing home or nursing facility from any person they choose. The law does not overrule a facility’s visitation policies that are based on the patient’s medical condition, visitation hours or a court order. Facilities will be required to honor the patient’s advance health care directives regarding visitation.

Status: SIGNED

House Bill 17 – Eliminates a five-year wait that felons who have fully discharged their sentences must endure before they can have their voting rights restored. This is the first leg of a state constitutional amendment.

Status: HOUSE PASSED, IN SENATE

House Resolution 28  – Creates a pilot program in which 25 cell phones will be given to at-risk individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities or other physical limitations. Under three-month program, the cell phones would be “locked out,” allowing users to only dial DART customer service and 911 in the event of an emergency.

Status: HOUSE PASSED; ENACTED