Texas Senate Bill SB283

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the offense of unlawfully prohibiting an employee from voting.

Impact

The bill's provisions, if enacted, would enhance voting rights protections for employees in Texas. By making it unlawful for employers to restrict an employee's ability to vote, SB283 reinforces the civic duty of voting and aims to increase voter turnout. This change underscores the importance of accessible voting and highlights the need for employees to have the opportunity to engage in democratic processes without workplace-related constraints.

Summary

Senate Bill 283 addresses the unlawful prohibition of employees from voting by amending sections of the Election Code. The bill specifies that an employer commits an offense if they either refuse to allow an employee to be absent from work to vote or threaten penalties for attending the polls on election days or during early voting. This legislative action is aimed at ensuring that employees can freely participate in elections without fear of repercussions from their employers.

Contention

While this bill seeks to protect voter access, there could be notable contention surrounding the enforcement of such regulations. Employers may express concerns about managing their workforce around elections and early voting periods, potentially viewing the bill as an imposition on their operational autonomy. There is a possibility of pushback from business groups who argue that the legislation could create challenges in scheduling and managing employee attendance during crucial voting times.