JKM H.B. 1625 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
H.B. 1625
By: Tillery
4-24-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

Currently, the Texas Workforce Commission interprets the Labor Code as
denying benefits to employees who are "locked-out' or placed on "emergency
leave,' even if the work stoppage is caused by a labor dispute in another
state.  It is the purpose of unemployment insurance to assist those who
are unemployed through no fault of their own.      

PURPOSE

This bill would ensure that benefits will be paid to individuals who can
prove that they are not directly involved in a labor dispute.  This
interim pay is necessary for employees who are not on strike, but are
"locked-out" or placed on "emergency leave," as the result of  a work
stoppage in another state. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

Section 1:   Amends Section 207.048, Labor Code, by amending  Subsections
(a), (b) and (f) and by adding Subsection (g).  Subsection (a) is amended
by striking language that dealt with labor disputes at another place, and
combining the remaining language into one paragraph.  Amends Subsection
(b)(1) by striking the word "and." Adds (3) and (4) to Subsection (b),
which make an employee eligible for benefits, if  "locked out" or placed
on "emergency leave."   Subsection (f)(1) defines "lock-out."  Subsection
(f)(2) defines "premises."  Adds subsection (g) which states that the
payment of union dues does not constitute financing a labor dispute.   

Section 2:   Emergency clause and effective date.