Texas Senate Bill SB1857

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the payment of gratuities to certain employees.

Impact

The introduction of SB1857 would directly impact labor regulations in Texas, reinforcing the notion that gratuities should exclusively belong to the employee who received them. This change aims to foster a more equitable environment for tipped workers, as it prevents employers from taking a portion of the gratuities that are meant for their service. By doing so, it addresses an often-overlooked area of employment rights that can significantly affect the income of workers dependent on tips.

Summary

Senate Bill 1857 seeks to assert the rights of tipped employees concerning the gratuities they receive. The bill amends the Labor Code by clarifying that any gratuity paid to or left for a tipped employee is the property of that employee. As such, employers are prohibited from collecting or receiving any part of these gratuities, specifically to use them for compensating credit card companies for services related to the gratuity. This legislation is designed to enhance the financial security of employees in service fields who rely heavily on tips.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from worker advocacy groups and those within the service industry who argue that it protects employee earnings, there may be contention regarding how this affects businesses, particularly in how they handle credit card transactions. Some business owners might express concerns about increased costs and operational complexities as they adapt to these regulations, which could lead to debates about the balance between enhancing employee rights and supporting business viability.