Texas House Bill HB393

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to certain unlawful employment practices regarding compensation.

Impact

The enactment of HB393 will have significant implications for employment policies in Texas. By preventing employers from accessing or considering wage history information, the bill encourages transparency and fairness in hiring processes. Employers will be required to provide a pay scale for job positions upon request, thereby fostering open dialogue about compensation between prospective employees and employers. This change aims to empower applicants, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, to negotiate salaries without the burden of past earnings affecting their opportunities.

Summary

House Bill 393 aims to address certain unlawful employment practices concerning compensation within the state of Texas. The bill prohibits employers from inquiring about or considering an applicant's wage history when making hiring decisions or determining wages and benefits. This legislation is designed to combat potential wage discrimination and to promote fair salary practices among employers. It seeks to create an environment where applicants' previous earnings do not unduly influence their potential future earnings, thereby supporting equitable compensation practices across various sectors.

Contention

Despite its progressive intent, HB393 may face criticism and contention from various stakeholders. Employers may argue that the inability to consider wage history could hinder their ability to determine fair compensation based on market standards. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding the practical implementation of the bill's provisions, particularly in relation to how employers assess the qualifications of applicants when previous earnings are no longer a factor. Moreover, the impact on existing compensation structures and wage negotiations in the Texas labor market will likely be a point of debate among business groups and employee advocates.