Texas Senate Bill SB1451

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to limiting use of money in the Texas Enterprise Fund to recipients that provide health benefit plans.

Impact

The implementation of SB1451 would have significant implications for state laws related to the operation of the Texas Enterprise Fund. By mandating that recipients of these funds offer health benefit plans, the bill would introduce a new layer of accountability for organizations receiving state funding. As a result, this could influence the attractiveness of the Texas Enterprise Fund for potential recipients, with some businesses possibly reconsidering their applications based on the new requirement.

Summary

Senate Bill 1451 seeks to amend the guidelines governing the Texas Enterprise Fund by stipulating that any organization or recipient seeking financial support from this fund must provide health benefit plans to their full-time employees. This initiative aims to enhance the welfare of employees working within facilities or activities that are financed by grants from the fund. By linking financial support to health benefits, the bill emphasizes the importance of employee welfare and aligns with broader state objectives to foster healthier work environments.

Contention

While the bill may be viewed positively from a public health perspective, there could be points of contention among various stakeholders. Critics might argue that the requirement to provide health benefits could deter some businesses, particularly smaller ones, from applying for grants due to the increased financial responsibility. This contention highlights the balancing act the legislature faces between promoting employee health benefits and ensuring that economic development initiatives remain appealing to a wide range of organizations.