Texas House Bill HB520

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to workers' compensation insurance coverage under certain agreements and to liability of third parties for an injury to an employee.

Impact

If enacted, HB 520 would modify the existing framework of Chapter 406 of the Labor Code by redefining the responsibilities and liabilities associated with workplace injuries. Principals may still be liable under Chapter 417 for compensable injuries that occur on their premises, but this bill would ostensibly prevent the assumption of employer status based solely on their contracts with contractors. This distinction is crucial in delineating the roles and responsibilities in maintaining workplace safety and the financial implications following an injury.

Summary

House Bill 520 addresses issues related to workers' compensation insurance coverage under specific contractual agreements, focusing on the liability of third parties, namely principals and general contractors. The bill seeks to clarify the definitions within the Labor Code, particularly differentiating between general contractors and principals, thereby impacting how liability is determined in instances of employee injury. Under the provisions of this bill, a principal who hires a general contractor is not automatically deemed an employer of the contractor's employees for compensation purposes.

Contention

While the bill aims to provide clarity, there may be concerns regarding the scope of liability that it establishes. Critics might argue that the modifications could potentially weaken protections for injured employees, allowing principals to evade greater liability through contractual arrangements with general contractors. The balance between maintaining protections for workers while clarifying the responsibilities of employers and contractors is likely to be a point of contention among legislators and stakeholders in the industry.