Texas House Bill HB187

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/10/14

Caption

Relating to the statute of limitations applicable to unlawful employment practices.

Impact

By modifying the filing timelines, HB 187 directly affects employees’ rights and their ability to seek redress for workplace violations. This change is intended to streamline the process, potentially encouraging more individuals to come forward with their complaints in a timely manner. However, this could also mean stricter enforcement of deadlines, leaving some individuals without recourse if their claims are not filed within the specified time frames. The bill is poised to impact both employees who are victimized by unlawful employment practices and employers who must navigate these regulations.

Summary

House Bill 187 amends the Texas Labor Code concerning the statute of limitations applicable to unlawful employment practices. The bill establishes a timeline for individuals to file complaints, requiring that these complaints must be lodged within either 180 days after the complainant recognizes the alleged unlawful act, or within five years from the date the act took place. This aiming to create a clearer and more structured time frame for individuals pursuing claims against unlawful employment actions.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 187 appears to be mixed. Supporters of the bill appreciate the defined timelines that aim to uphold workplace integrity and protect individual rights, which they view as essential for maintaining fair labor practices. Conversely, opponents express concerns that the stricter timelines could unintentionally limit employees' access to justice, particularly for those who may face barriers in recognizing and acting on their unlawful employment claims.

Contention

Notable contention surrounding HB 187 revolves around the balance between timely justice and access to justice for employees. Critics argue that while the bill aims to clarify filing processes, the new limitations may hinder victims of workplace discrimination or harassment, thereby discouraging them from pursuing claims. As this legislation moves forward, the discussions highlight the ongoing debate about how best to protect workers' rights while maintaining an efficient legal process for addressing unlawful employment practices.