Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
9 bills that modify the Labor Code
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.
Blog Summary
HB 915
HB 1602 - criteria for awarding adult education grants
HB 1615
HB 1703
HB 2459
HB 2468
HB 2575
HB 2975
HB 4451 - apprenticeships under the workforce commission
9 bills that modify the Labor Code
Published: 2026-01-20
Multiple short modifications
HB 915 - 4 pages
Employers need to post notice of who to report to for workplace violence incidents. The notice must be in the business and be convenient to all employees, and be posted in English and Spanish, as appropriate.
HB 1602 - 2 pages
The commission will establish criteria for continuing awarding funds for adult education and literacy entities. Part of the criteria should be enrollment targets and performance benchmarks.
HB 1615 - 4 pages
The commission will establish and administer prekindergarten partnerships between child-care provides and local school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. The schools will provide the information on what prekindergarten classes are required.
There will be a scholarship for child-care employees to use for costs relating to earning a Child Development Associate credential or associate's/bachelor's decree in early childhood education. The funds can also be used for participate in a registered child-care apprenticeship program.
HB 1703 - 5 pages
A pilot program for career education and training will be implemented in the Borderplex. The local board will evaluate the programs administered for successful program components and any gaps in data. Data will be collected from the program to determine the employment that pays a self-sufficient wage and details regarding the services for each program.
By December 1, 2028 a written report will be submitted on the results of the pilot program. It should include the recommendation to continue the program statewide.
This section expires September 1, 2029.
HB 2459 - 11 pages
Penalties for employing child labor in violation of Section 51.016(b) (which are sexually oriented businesses) may be in an amount not exceeding $10,000. The amount should be based on the seriousness of the violation; history of prior violations; amount necessary to deter future violations; efforts to correct violations; and anything else that justice requires.
A child labor investigator initially makes a preliminary order and sets the penalty. The person in violation has a right to a hearing on the violation, the amount of the penalty, or both. A request for hearing must be written no later than 21 days after the notice of preliminary order is mailed. If no hearing is requested then the preliminary order becomes final.
The commission establishes a child labor appeal tribunals to hear and decide disputes. Each tribunal shall have a salaried examiner appointed by the commissioner. The tribunal may modify, affirm or rescind a preliminary order. The order of the tribunal becomes final 14 days after it is mailed.
The commission may review orders and modify them. If they are modified, then they become final 14 days after mailing them.
If a person wishes, they may file an appeal of a final order within 30 days of the final order being mailed. The commission will be the defendant in the suit. It may be brought in the county of the person's residence. A court review is under the substantial evidence rule.
Payment must be made within 30 days after a final order or if filing an appeal, then paid to the commission to be held in an interest-bearing escrow account until a final outcome is made.
HB 2468 - 7 pages
A person receiving lifetime income benefits under workers compensation must submit to examination, failure to do so can result in suspended benefits. A designated doctor can indicate that a person is no longer eligible for lifetime benefits, and those benefits can be suspended.
Lifetime income benefits include a physically traumatic injury to the brain that results in permanent major neurocognitive disorder that requires supervision to perform daily self-care tasks and renders them unemployable. It also includes third degree burns to at least 40 percent of the body, or third degree burns covering the majority of the hands; or one hand and one foot; or one hand or one foot and the face. These are slight modifications of what was previously included.
Lifetime income benefits for first responders - specifically listed - disputes shall be accelerated. Each year the employee must provide certification that they were not employed in the preceding year. Review of determination for lifetime benefits may only occur once every 5 years.
HB 2575 - 3 pages
For the workforce diploma pilot program providers must work with an antity previously describe under the code.
HB 2975 - 5 pages
Defines work and family policies are including hiring and scheduling practices; employee benefits; dependent care assistance; and other terms related to family-related employment policies. The Commission has related information on its website rather than through a clearing house, as was previously the requirement.
HB 4451 - 3 pages
An apprenticeship program is defined as industry-recognized training and apprenticeship training programs. Emerging and high-demand industry is an occupation listed in a report that is required under Section 302.019. I am assuming this is so that it can change based upon what it is at the time.
By September 1 of each year, the commission generates a report of the available apprenticeship programs in Texas and makes recommendations for expanding these. I found it amusing that the state thinks it's commission will be better suited than the industries for knowing what it is they want/need. Typical government, hey we are going to help. Assume that means that we'll spend your tax dollars to claim we are helping, feel like we are helping, but the industry would have done a much better and financially more responsible job without the government intervention.
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