Texas House Bill HB230

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/16

Caption

Relating to the eligibility of school bus drivers for unemployment compensation benefits.

Impact

The impact of this legislation is significant for school bus drivers who may experience fluctuations in employment due to school schedules or other related factors. By ensuring that these drivers can claim unemployment compensation if they are solely performing driving duties, the bill provides a safety net that aligns with their unique employment circumstances. This change aims to support individuals who are vital to student transportation but face periods of unemployment due to the academic calendar.

Summary

House Bill 230 aims to amend the Texas Labor Code specifically in relation to the eligibility of school bus drivers for unemployment compensation benefits. The new provision in the bill states that if an individual’s services for an educational institution only involve driving a school bus, they will not be considered ineligible for unemployment benefits as stipulated under subsection (b) of the Labor Code. By making this change, the bill seeks to provide clearer guidelines for school bus drivers seeking compensation during their periods of unemployment.

Contention

While there may not be explicit points of contention highlighted in the discussions surrounding HB230, the introduction of provisions related to unemployment benefits often sparks debates about the adequacy and fairness of such support for different sectors of the workforce. It’s crucial to recognize that during legislative discussions, stakeholders might have differing opinions on the implications of changing eligibility criteria for unemployment compensation, particularly regarding how it affects state budgets, educational funding, and employee rights.