Texas Senate Bill SB162

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a database of employers penalized for failure to pay wages or convicted of certain criminal offenses involving wage theft.

Impact

The introduction of this bill could significantly impact state labor laws and the treatment of employers found guilty of wage theft. The requirement for the database means that employees and prospective employees will be able to make more informed decisions based on an employer's history regarding wage penalties. This could inadvertently pressure employers to comply strictly with wage laws to avoid being listed, thus potentially improving overall wage practices in the state. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for employers to dispute their inclusion in the database, ensuring due process.

Summary

Senate Bill 162 relates to the establishment of a publicly accessible database that lists employers penalized for wage theft or convicted of related offenses. This bill seeks to enhance transparency and accountability in the workplace by allowing employees to identify employers who have failed to pay wages properly or have committed criminal offenses involving wage theft. The Texas Workforce Commission will be responsible for maintaining this database, which will include information on the administrative penalties and offenses related to wage theft.

Contention

However, there may be notable points of contention surrounding SB162. Some may argue that publicly listing employers could lead to reputational damage even in cases where disputes are ongoing or unproven. The balance between employee protection and the rights of employers to maintain their reputation may generate debate. Furthermore, the process for disputing inclusion in the database could also be scrutinized regarding its fairness and effectiveness in protecting employers' rights while ensuring that employees have access to essential information.