Texas Senate Bill SB1246

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, SB1246 would significantly strengthen protections for employees regarding their voting rights. It would deter employers from imposing penalties or intimidating employees who choose to vote, thereby enhancing voter turnout. The bill's requirement that employees be allowed to absent themselves from work to vote is intended to eliminate barriers that might prevent individuals from exercising their civic duty. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2019, which allows existing employers time to adjust their policies in compliance with the new law.

Summary

Senate Bill 1246 aims to address the issue of employee voting rights by establishing a criminal offense for employers who unlawfully prohibit their employees from voting. Specifically, the bill amends the Election Code to make it illegal for an employer to prevent an employee from being absent from work on election day or during early voting periods for the purpose of voting. This measure seeks to protect employees' rights and ensure that they have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process without fear of retribution from their employers.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB1246 may primarily revolve around concerns regarding employer-employee relationships and the interpretation of the bill's provisions. Supporters will likely argue that it is essential to safeguard the voting rights of employees, particularly in environments where employers might misuse their authority to influence voting behavior. However, opponents may express worries about the potential for misuse of the law, where employees could try to exploit the provisions regarding time off to vote, leading to workplace disruptions. This could ignite discussions regarding the balance between protecting voting rights and maintaining workplace productivity.