Texas House Bill HB995

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

The bill seeks to amend the Labor Code by adding a new chapter, providing a framework for paid leave designed to be accessible without the need to disclose the reason for the leave. Such access aims at ensuring that employees can address personal needs without fear of employer scrutiny. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for how leave hours can be accrued, carried over, and utilized, which may have long-term implications for employer policies and employee satisfaction in the workforce.

Summary

House Bill 995 introduces requirements for certain employers in Texas to provide paid leave to employees, particularly those with 50 or more employees. The legislation aims to improve the overall wellbeing of the workforce by ensuring that employees accrue paid leave at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, with a maximum of 40 hours each year. Notably, employers with fewer than 75 employees are exempt from this obligation until their second anniversary of employee hiring. This provision is designed to support small businesses while promoting employee rights and benefits.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HB 995 is likely to focus on the balance between employee rights and the operational flexibility of employers. Critics may argue that the new requirements could impose financial strains on smaller businesses, while proponents contend the necessity of paid leave for enhancing worker morale and health. The provisions for retaliation protection are particularly notable; an employer is prohibited from discriminating against employees who utilize their paid leave or file complaints regarding rights violations, enforcing accountability and aiming to create a fairer workplace environment.