Texas House Bill HB2472

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/5/25

Caption

Relating to the payment of gratuities to tipped employees; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

The proposed changes would significantly strengthen the legal protections for tipped employees, making it a criminal offense for employers to violate this directive. If employers were to collect any part of a gratuity, they could face felony charges, emphasizing the importance of respecting employees' rights to their earnings. As a result, this bill aims to discourage wage theft within the industry and promote fair compensation standards.

Summary

House Bill 2472 seeks to amend the Labor Code to establish regulations surrounding the payment of gratuities to tipped employees. Specifically, it prohibits employers from collecting or receiving any portion of gratuities left for tipped employees by customers. This legislative measure is designed to ensure that gratuities are recognized as the sole property of the tip-receiving employees, protecting them from potential deductions or claims from employers.

Contention

While this bill advocates for the rights of employees, it may also face opposition from certain sectors of the hospitality industry that could be impacted by these regulations. Critics might argue that such laws could complicate business operations and increase potential liabilities for employers. Therefore, the discussion around HB 2472 will likely involve balancing employee rights with the practical implications for businesses that depend heavily on gratuities as part of their operational framework.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Labor Code

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