Texas House Bill HB1676

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 12/19/24

Caption

Relating to the period during which an employee may file a claim for unpaid wages with the Texas Workforce Commission.

Impact

The implications of this bill are significant, as it alters existing labor law provisions regarding wage claims in Texas. By extending the time period for filing during which employees can pursue claims for unpaid wages, HB 1676 is likely to increase accessibility for workers who may not have realized they were owed wages or who may have faced challenges filing claims within the previous, shorter timeframe. This change could lead to an uptick in claims being filed and resolved through the Texas Workforce Commission.

Summary

House Bill 1676 addresses the timeframe in which employees can file claims for unpaid wages with the Texas Workforce Commission. The legislation amends Section 61.051(c) of the Texas Labor Code, changing the filing deadline from 180 days to a full year after the wages become due. This extension provides employees with a longer period to seek redress for unpaid wages, aiming to enhance workers' rights and access to justice. The new deadline will take effect for claims relating to wages that become due on or after March 5, 2025.

Contention

While proponents of HB 1676 argue that extending the timeframe for unpaid wage claims supports worker rights and acknowledges the difficulties employees face in navigating the claims process, opponents may raise concerns about the effect this extended period could have on employers and their liability. Critics might argue that lengthening the time for claims could complicate record-keeping and dispute resolution for businesses, thereby potentially leading to increased operational burdens.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Labor Code

• Chapter 61. Payment Of Wages
  • Section: New Section