TX
Texas Senate Bill SB925

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB925

Filed
1/24/25  
Out of Senate Committee
3/13/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to certain agreements with collective bargaining organizations related to certain publicly funded public work contracts.

Impact

If enacted, SB925 will significantly affect the laws surrounding public work contracts by ensuring that contracts supported by state and federal funds cannot deter or favor bidders based on their collective bargaining status. This legislation seeks to promote fairness in the bidding process and safeguard the rights of employees to engage in negotiations regarding their working conditions. The amendments to Sections 51.7761 of the Education Code and 2269.0541 of the Government Code will encourage participation from various contractors, ensuring that labor relations are respected and upheld in taxpayer-funded projects.

Summary

SB925 aims to regulate agreements between contractors and collective bargaining organizations in relation to publicly funded public work contracts. The bill specifically prohibits any institution awarding such contracts from discriminating against bidders based on their association with any collective bargaining group. This includes preventing any requirement or encouragement for bidders to adhere to or separate from such agreements, thereby fostering an inclusive environment for labor representation within publicly funded projects.

Sentiment

The discussion surrounding SB925 reflects a division in sentiment among legislators and stakeholders. Proponents assert that the bill is a necessary protection for workers, especially in fields dependent on public contracts, where unions play a critical role in advocating for fair wages and conditions. Conversely, opponents raise concerns about potential increased costs or reduced flexibility for contractors due to the requirements imposed by collective bargaining agreements, viewing the bill as potentially burdensome to the contracting process.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between ensuring labor rights and maintaining efficiency in public bidding processes. Some feel that while the bill enhances protections for unified labor representation, it may also complicate the contracting environment, creating barriers for small businesses who may struggle with the additional regulations. The debates have underscored differing views on the role of labor unions in public contracts and the extent to which governmental entities should mandate compliance with collective bargaining agreements.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
    • Section: 7761
    • Section: 7761
    • Section: 7761
    • Section: 7761

Government Code

  • Chapter 2269. Contracting And Delivery Procedures For Construction Projects
    • Section: 0541
    • Section: 0541
    • Section: 0541
    • Section: 0541

Companion Bills

TX HB1951

Identical Relating to certain agreements with collective bargaining organizations related to certain publicly funded public work contracts.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2753

Relating to certain agreements with collective bargaining organizations related to certain publicly funded public work contracts.

TX SB936

Relating to certain agreements with collective bargaining organizations related to certain publicly funded public work contracts.

TX HB986

Relating to the categorization, collection, and publication of certain demographic and other information pertaining to certain public benefits programs.

TX HB1946

Relating to the categorization, collection, and publication of demographic and other information pertaining to certain public benefits programs.

TX HB5257

Relating to the applicability of certain collective bargaining laws to certain public school employees, school districts, and open-enrollment charter schools.

TX HB2982

Relating to the authorization of certain agreements between management services organizations and physicians.

TX HB2760

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB2459

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX HB4418

Relating to the creation of a revolving loan program to fund the purchase by historically underutilized businesses of certain bonds required for public work contracts.

TX SB949

Relating to the creation of a revolving loan program to fund the purchase by historically underutilized businesses of certain bonds required for public work contracts.

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TX SB636

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LA HB410

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