Texas House Bill HB1573

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/17/09

Caption

Relating to a requirement that a recipient of money from the Texas Enterprise Fund provide a health benefit plan for its employees.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1573 represents an important shift in the requirements placed on recipients of state funding. By linking financial support from the Texas Enterprise Fund to the provision of health benefits, the bill not only elevates the standards expected from these entities but also aligns state economic support with broader social goals. This could potentially make the state funding more attractive by appealing to businesses looking to enhance their employee welfare programs, setting a precedent for future grant-related legislation.

Summary

House Bill 1573 mandates that any entity receiving funds from the Texas Enterprise Fund must provide a health benefit plan to its employees involved in projects financed by these grants. The bill aims to promote employee welfare by ensuring that workers have access to necessary health benefits, thereby improving overall workforce health and productivity. The legislation is designed to create a more favorable working environment, especially for employees who may otherwise lack adequate health coverage.

Contention

While HB 1573 aims to foster better employee protections, it may also raise concerns among businesses regarding increased operational costs associated with providing health benefits. Critics might argue that imposing such requirements could deter businesses from applying for grants, reducing the effectiveness of the Texas Enterprise Fund in promoting local economic development. Proponents, however, would assert that the long-term benefits of a healthier workforce outweigh the immediate concerns regarding costs.