HBA-JLV, SEP H.B. 215 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 215
By: Longoria
Economic Development
3/2/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current law does not specifically protect individuals employed for 10 years
or more from dismissal without cause by their employers.  House Bill 215
prohibits employers from discharging without cause, employees with 10 years
of service. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking
authority is expressly delegated to the Texas Workforce Commission in
SECTION 1 (Section 54.004, Labor Code) of this bill. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 215 amends the Labor Code to prohibit an employer from
discharging, without cause, an employee, other than an independent
contractor, who has been continuously employed by that employer for at
least 10 years.  An employee discharged under these circumstances is
entitled to reinstatement in the same position of employment or an
equivalent position with commensurate pay, and the employer is liable for
any loss of wages and employer-provided benefits incurred by the employee
as a result of the violation. The bill requires that employees be notified
of these rights through the prominent posting of a sign, the design and
content of which is to be prescribed by the Texas Workforce Commission
(TWC) and authorizes TWC to adopt rules to implement these provisions.   

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.