Texas House Bill HB568

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 12/12/16

Caption

Relating to authority for certain state employees to work flexible hours and to work from home or other authorized alternative work sites.

Impact

If enacted, HB 568 would amend the Government Code to allow state agencies to create policies permitting employees to work from alternative sites, including their homes. These policies would be subject to approval from agency heads, who would determine the appropriateness of such arrangements based on specific job requirements. The bill emphasizes the need to establish clear communication protocols and responsibilities for employees working from alternative sites, thereby maintaining accountability for performance and output.

Summary

House Bill 568 aims to authorize certain state employees to work flexible hours and to operate from home or other authorized alternative work sites. This legislation is designed to create a more adaptable work environment for state employees, potentially allowing agencies to meet their staffing needs while providing employees with greater autonomy in how they manage their work schedules. The bill recognizes the changing landscape of work environments and aims to address modern work preferences while improving employee satisfaction and productivity.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 568 may stem from how state agencies implement these flexible work policies. Critics may express concern regarding the consistency in policy application across different agencies and the potential challenges in oversight and measuring employee productivity outside of a traditional office setting. Supporters argue that the bill represents a necessary shift to embrace modern working arrangements, which can help alleviate traffic congestion and improve work-life balance for state employees.