Texas Senate Bill SB1772

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the right of an employee to time off from work to vote; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

The bill seeks to enhance employee rights related to voting by mandating that employers provide designated time off to facilitate access to elections. Importantly, it prohibits employers from requiring employees to use their vacation or personal leave for this absence, which is a significant shift in the regulatory environment. This is seen as a step toward strengthening democratic participation among the workforce in Texas by minimizing barriers associated with taking time off to vote.

Summary

SB1772 proposes amendments to the Texas Labor Code by introducing a new chapter that defines the right of employees to take time off from work to vote. Under this bill, employees are entitled to at least two consecutive hours of leave for voting purposes on election days. They must notify their employer at least 24 hours in advance of their absence. This legislation aims to facilitate greater access to the electoral process by ensuring employees can participate in voting without detracting from their job obligations.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB1772 involves the criminal penalties imposed on employers who fail to comply with the provisions of the new chapter. An employer committing an offense under this bill would face a Class B misdemeanor charge. Some stakeholders may argue that this penalty is necessary to ensure compliance and promote employees' rights, while others may view it as an overreach that could create further complications between employers and employees.