Texas House Bill HB2015

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to employment termination for falsification of military record in obtaining employment or employment benefits.

Impact

The enactment of HB2015 will have significant implications for employment law within Texas. It establishes a legal basis for employers to terminate employees based on fraudulent claims regarding military service. This change could lead employers to conduct more thorough background checks on candidates, particularly for positions where military experience is relevant. Moreover, an employment contract can be deemed void and unenforceable if it is based on fraudulent representations, promoting an environment that discourages dishonesty in employment practices.

Summary

House Bill 2015, also known as the Stolen Valor Act, introduces a provision concerning employment termination in cases of falsifying military records to secure jobs or benefits. This legislation allows employers to discharge employees if they have reasonable grounds to believe that an employee misrepresented their military service in a manner that would violate existing penal codes. The bill aims to maintain the integrity of the hiring process, especially for roles that may prioritize military experience.

Contention

While the bill garners support for its intention to prevent deception in employment, there may be concerns over its implementation. Critics might argue that the provisions for reasonable belief could lead to wrongful terminations if not stringently regulated. Furthermore, employees who feel they have been unjustly terminated under this act are given the right to appeal in court, which could lead to increased litigation costs for employers and potential uncertainties in hiring processes. Deliberations around how to balance the enforcement of this legislation with protections for honest employees could be sources of contention among stakeholders.