Texas House Bill HB1326

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/24

Caption

Relating to the frequency of pay for state employees.

Impact

The proposed changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to compensation due for services rendered after that date. This timeline allows for state agencies to adjust their payroll systems and policies accordingly. Moreover, any compensation due for services before this implementation will continue to be governed by the existing laws, therefore creating a clear distinction based on the service period.

Summary

House Bill 1326 aims to amend the frequency of pay for state employees in Texas. It stipulates that state officers and employees are to be compensated on a monthly basis unless specific criteria are met that allow for bi-monthly payments. Among the eligible state agencies for bi-monthly payments are the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, Texas Department of Transportation, and others. The bill proposes that a minimum of 30% of eligible employees at an agency must choose to be paid twice a month for this to be implemented.

Contention

While the bill primarily seeks to standardize pay frequency for state employees, it may raise discussions regarding the financial management and preferences of employees at different state agencies. For instance, employees may have varying preferences for how often they want to receive their paychecks, which can impact their financial planning and budgeting. Critics may potentially argue that the legislation could limit the flexibility some agencies currently offer in terms of pay frequency.

Notable_points

With the bill's clear distinctions between monthly and bi-monthly pay structures, the discussions surrounding it might also touch upon broader employment and compensation policies within state governance. The legislation underscores the importance of understanding employee preferences and financial needs while standardizing operational procedures across state agencies.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 659. Compensation
  • Section: 081
  • Section: 082
  • Section: 083