Relating to a criminal offense committed against a person because of bias or prejudice on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Texas SB 189 amends the criminal procedure code to require judges to formally note in court records if a defendant intentionally targeted a victim due to bias against their sexual orientation or gender identity in certain violent crimes (like assault or property damage under specific Penal Code sections). This applies to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, and affects defendants convicted of such bias-motivated crimes in Texas courts. The bill replaces previous language about "gender identity preference" with explicit protections for "gender identity" and adds "sexual orientation" as protected characteristics. It does not change the underlying criminal penalties but mandates this specific procedural step during sentencing.