Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB618

Caption

Relating to the prohibition of certain required nondisclosure and arbitration agreements.

Impact

If enacted, HB 618 will significantly enhance employee rights by ensuring that individuals are not coerced into silence regarding serious allegations of sexual misconduct by their employers. By making such nondisclosure and mandatory arbitration agreements void, the bill encourages employees to come forward during legal proceedings or while reporting incidents to authorities. This reflects a growing legislative trend aimed at addressing workplace harassment more aggressively and supporting victims in voicing their concerns without fear of retaliation or legal repercussions.

Summary

House Bill 618 focuses on prohibiting certain nondisclosure and arbitration agreements related to sexual assault and sexual harassment in employment settings. The bill stipulates that any agreement which prevents employees from reporting such misconduct or limits their ability to disclose necessary information is rendered void and unenforceable under Texas law. This is framed within the goal of promoting transparency and protecting the rights of employees who experience workplace misconduct, putting public policy ahead of potentially restrictive agreements often favored by employers.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 618 represents a bold step towards enhancing workplace protections in Texas. It signals a commitment from the legislature to prioritize the rights and safety of employees, particularly in cases of sexual misconduct, reflecting significant societal shifts in how these issues are confronted at the state level.

Contention

While proponents argue that this bill is necessary for empowering victims and creating a safer work environment, opponents may express concerns about the implications for employers, particularly regarding how disputes are managed and resolved. Some may argue that removing the option of arbitration could lead to more litigation, which might burden the judicial system. Additionally, there may be fears that this could further complicate the dynamics between employers and employees concerning dispute resolution protocols.

Companion Bills

TX SB159

Similar To Relating to the prohibition of certain required nondisclosure and arbitration agreements.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4309

Relating to prohibiting certain nondisclosure or confidentiality provisions in employment agreements.

TX HB722

Relating to a prohibition of employment discrimination on the basis of reproductive decisions and certain employment agreements limiting reproductive decisions.

TX SB204

Relating to a prohibition of employment discrimination on the basis of reproductive decisions and certain employment agreements limiting reproductive decisions.

TX HB1012

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination; authorizing civil penalties.

TX SB110

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination; authorizing civil penalties.

TX HB893

Relating to requiring certain employers to provide paid sick leave to employees; providing administrative and civil penalties.

TX HB4

Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions and certain related orders, including immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, and authorizing or requiring under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB4

Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions and certain related orders, including immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, and authorizing or requiring under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB40

Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions, and authorizing under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate certain of those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB3918

Relating to the prohibition, prevention, and remedying of certain discrimination.

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