TX
Texas House Bill HB4609

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4609

Caption

Relating to the consideration of sexual harassment claims against contractors in awarding certain state agency contracts.

Impact

The implementation of HB 4609 is expected to enhance accountability and transparency in the contracting process within Texas state agencies. By requiring disclosures about sexual harassment claims and findings of liability, the bill aims to ensure that contractors seeking state contracts maintain a standard of conduct that reflects the values of the state. This could lead to a more careful selection of contractors, thereby promoting a workplace free from harassment in state-funded projects.

Summary

House Bill 4609 addresses the consideration of sexual harassment claims in the awarding of certain state agency contracts. It mandates that the comptroller and relevant state agencies evaluate contractors based on whether any sexual harassment claims have been filed against them. Additionally, contractors must provide written disclosures related to any claims filed with the Texas Workforce Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, including if they have been found liable in judicial or administrative proceedings.

Contention

While supporters of the bill perceive it as a necessary step towards promoting safer workplace environments, there may be concerns about the implications for due process in cases where allegations do not result in a finding of liability. Critics could argue that this bill may unjustly affect contractors based on claims that have not been legally resolved, potentially leading to decreased competition for state contracts and challenges for businesses that may have previously faced baseless claims.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1621

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

TX HB3846

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

TX HB2115

Relating to damages in certain claims involving sexual assault or sexual harassment.

TX HB2760

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB2459

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX HB1418

Relating to state agency contracting and certain state employees involved with the contracting.

TX SB81

Relating to certain laws that regulate aspects of illegal immigration in this state, including laws pertaining to the DNA records of certain persons subject to an immigration detainer request, the recognition of certain out-of-state driver's licenses, inviting certain federal agencies to participate on the homeland security council, the reporting of certain uncompensated hospital care costs, and certain requirements for participation in the E-verify program; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB4936

Relating to the awarding of state agency contracts to new businesses.

TX HB5140

Relating to a prohibition against the consideration of race or ethnicity as a factor in governmental employment or contracting, in other governmental functions, and in higher education admissions.

TX HB864

Relating to eligibility for unemployment compensation for employees who leave the workplace due to sexual harassment.

Similar Bills

CA AB334

Public contracts: conflicts of interest.

VA HB2500

Construction contracts; payment clauses to be included in certain contracts.

CA SB1192

Public contracts: withheld payments.

CA AB971

Public contracts: information technology services: contractor evaluations.

OR HB4006

Relating to submitting surety bonds in lieu of retainage; declaring an emergency.

CA AB1546

Public contracts: information technology: contractor performance assessment report.

MI HB4384

State management: purchasing; awarding contracts to entities that donate or contribute to certain political candidates or committees; prohibit. Amends 1984 PA 431 (MCL 18.1101 - 18.1594) by adding sec. 264b.

MI HB5976

State management: purchasing; awarding contracts to entities that donate or contribute to certain political candidates or committees; prohibit. Amends 1984 PA 431 (MCL 18.1101 - 18.1594) by adding sec. 264b.