Texas House Bill HB2105

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/3/11
• Refer: 3/8/11

Caption

Relating to employment restrictions on persons awarded certain government contracts or public subsidies; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2105 would result in the introduction of a new chapter in the Government Code, establishing strict conditions under which public contracts and subsidies may be awarded. Specifically, it would disallow the hiring of foreign workers for the tasks associated with government funding and contracts, effectively stemming potential job relocations outside Texas. Public agencies would be compelled to closely monitor compliance and could face civil penalties for violations, which includes termination of contracts and repayment of subsidies granted improperly.

Summary

House Bill 2105 addresses employment restrictions for individuals or entities awarded government contracts or public subsidies in Texas. The core of the bill is to limit the capability of vendors to utilize foreign labor by mandating that work associated with public contracts and subsidies be conducted by workers located within the United States. The bill aims to tackle the issue of international outsourcing, which proponents argue contributes to local job losses and undermines the Texas economy. By stipulating that only US workers may fulfill these roles, the bill seeks to protect Texas jobs and ensure that public funds are utilized to benefit the state’s financial environment directly.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2105 tends to reflect the ongoing debate about job security for Texas residents versus the realities of globalized labor markets. Supporters of the bill see it as a significant step in preserving local employment opportunities and channeling government spending towards the domestic workforce. Conversely, detractors worry that the restrictions may lead to inefficiencies or increase costs for state contracts due to the potential lack of skilled labor or specific expertise that may currently be fulfilled by foreign workers. The polarized views underline a critical contention between protectionism in employment versus facilitating competitive contracts that may benefit from diversification of labor sources.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise around the bill's stringent stipulations prohibiting outsourcing and the civil penalties associated with violations. Critics argue that while the intention to protect local jobs is admirable, the execution might hinder the quality and efficiency of services procured by the state. They warn that imposing such restrictions could dissuade potential vendors from seeking contracts with Texas agencies due to confines on labor sourcing. Proponents, however, emphasize the necessity of these measures to maintain an economic environment that rewards local employment and mitigates revenue losses attributable to outsourcing practices.