Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1537

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 

Caption

Relating to certain required notices under the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act, including employer liability arising from failure to provide the notice.

Impact

The bill introduces substantive changes to the Texas Labor Code that affect how employers interact with the TWC. By mandating that employers provide detailed factual information in their notifications, SB1537 seeks to minimize the risk of incorrect benefit payments being made to claimants. This shift places a significant onus on employers to manage their communications with the TWC effectively, as consequences for failure to do so could directly affect their financial liability, making it imperative for employers to be more vigilant in their reporting and notifications.

Summary

SB1537 amends the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act to establish more stringent requirements regarding notifications that employers must provide to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) concerning benefit claims. The bill specifically addresses the employer's liability for failing to provide adequate notification related to a claimant's entitlement to benefits. The changes aim to ensure that notifications include sufficient factual information so that the TWC can make informed determinations on claims. Failure to comply with the notification requirements could lead to increased charges against an employer’s account, particularly if it results in erroneous benefit payments to claimants.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the practicality and implications of these notification requirements. Some employer groups may feel that the bill imposes excessive burdens on them, potentially leading to increased administrative costs and complications in handling unemployment claims. On the other hand, proponents of the bill argue that increasing accountability and clarity in communications will ultimately lead to a more efficient and accurate unemployment system, reducing the taxpayer burden and ensuring that entitlement determinations are fairly grounded in factual evidence.

Companion Bills

TX HB1914

Identical Relating to certain required notices under the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act, including employer liability arising from failure to provide the notice.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2458

Relating to claimant eligibility and initial claims under the unemployment compensation system.

TX HB404

Relating to requiring certain employers to provide paid leave to employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX HB4902

Relating to the eligibility of certain individuals for unemployment benefits and the validity of certain claims for unemployment benefits submitted to the Texas Workforce Commission.

TX SB1847

Relating to the eligibility of certain individuals for unemployment benefits and the validity of certain claims for unemployment benefits submitted to the Texas Workforce Commission.

TX HB893

Relating to requiring certain employers to provide paid sick leave to employees; providing administrative and civil penalties.

TX HB307

Relating to requiring certain employers to provide paid sick leave to employees; providing administrative penalties.

TX HB2520

Relating to requirements regarding an employee's normal weekly hours of work under the shared work unemployment compensation program.

TX HB2926

Relating to certain claims for benefits or compensation by certain public safety employees and survivors of certain public safety employees.

TX HB4681

Relating to the requirement that a public employer give notice to employees of the right to join certain labor organizations.

TX SB302

Relating to employer civil liability for a vaccine requirement imposed on the employer's employees.

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