Texas House Bill HB1131

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB1131 will impact the Labor Code of Texas by adding a new section that outlines the specific criteria for listing employers in the database. It mandates that the Texas Workforce Commission maintain this database, thus potentially increasing the administrative responsibilities of this agency. Employers found on this list would be penalized through public scrutiny and could face reputational damage, influencing hiring practices and employee relations within their companies.

Summary

House Bill 1131 aims to establish a publicly accessible database of employers who have been penalized for failing to pay wages or have been convicted of offenses involving wage theft. This bill seeks to enhance transparency in employment practices and holds employers accountable for wage-related violations. By creating such a database, the bill intends to provide employees and the public with vital information about which employers have a history of non-compliance, thereby promoting fair labor practices across the state of Texas.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention surrounding HB1131 include concerns raised by various stakeholders about the implications of such a database. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step in protecting employees and ensuring that employers adhere to wage laws. Conversely, critics may argue it imposes excessive regulation on businesses, particularly small businesses that may struggle with compliance costs or disputes over the inclusion in the database without adequate processes for contesting their listings. The establishment of the database thus serves as a double-edged sword, intending to protect workers while also introducing potential hurdles for employers.