Texas House Bill HB985

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the effect of certain agreements with a collective bargaining organization on certain state-funded public work contracts.

Impact

By implementing HB 985, the Texas legislature is enacting significant changes to the state's approach towards labor agreements in public projects. The legislation ensures that public contracts cannot discriminate against those associated with collective bargaining units. By protecting the right of contractors and subcontractors to make independent decisions about union affiliations, the bill potentially strengthens labor rights within the context of state-funded projects, allowing for enhanced labor organization and negotiation practices in the state.

Summary

House Bill 985 addresses the impact of certain agreements with collective bargaining organizations on state-funded public work contracts. The legislation amends the Education Code and the Government Code to prevent governmental entities from influencing contractors' decisions to enter into collective bargaining agreements. Specifically, the bill prohibits discrimination against individuals based on their involvement with collective bargaining organizations and ensures that contractors' bidding processes remain neutral regarding union affiliations. This aims to foster a fair and equitable bidding environment for public work contracts funded by the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 985 appears to be positive among labor advocates, who view the bill as a crucial step toward upholding workers' rights and preventing undue influence over their decision-making regarding union representation. However, it has faced criticism from some employers and business organizations who argue that limiting the ability to influence contractors can lead to inefficiencies in project execution and raise concerns about workforce management. Overall, the discussion appears to reflect an ongoing debate about the balance between labor rights and business interests in Texas.

Contention

Notable points of contention during the discussions of HB 985 center around the implications for public contracts and the broader labor market. Proponents argue that the bill fosters an open and free market for labor, allowing contractors to negotiate as they see fit without government interference, thereby enhancing their capacity to manage labor relations effectively. Critics, however, express concern that it could lead to weakened oversight in public contracts and question the adequacy of protections for workers in ensuring they have the ability to advocate for their rights through collective bargaining agreements.