JKM H.B. 81 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
H.B. 81
By: Longoria
4-24-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Texas law allows employers to dismiss employees "at will" - without any
explanation or cause.  At present there are no statutes which protect an
individual employed for a substantial period of time from dismissals by
his or her employer without cause. 

PURPOSE

To prohibit employers from discharging, without cause, employees with  ten
or more years of service. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does expressly grant
additional rulemaking authority to the Texas Workforce Commission in
SECTION 1, by adding Sec. 54.004(b) to Subtitle B, Title 2, Labor Code. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1: Amends Subtitle B, Title 2, Labor Code, by adding Chapter 54.
Section 54.001 defines "employee" and "employer."  Section 54.002
prohibits an employer from discharging without cause an employee who has
been employed for at least ten years. Sec. 54.003(a) provides for
penalties for employers who violate this act. The employer would be liable
for loss of  wages and employerprovided benefits.  Subsection (b) states
that a person discharged in violation of this act is entitled to
reinstatement in the same or equivalent position of employment with
commensurate pay. Sec. 54.004(a) provides that employers will inform
employees of their rights under this chapter by posted sign. Subsection
(b) instructs the Texas Workforce Commission to create the sign and allows
the commission to adopt rules necessary to implement this chapter. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date.

SECTION 3: Emergency clause.