HB 1070
AN ACT relating to the eligibility for unemployment benefits of
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
This Texas bill modifies unemployment benefit eligibility rules for workers involved in labor disputes. The bill allows workers to potentially receive unemployment benefits if they are not actively participating in, financing, or directly interested in a labor dispute, and clarifies that paying regular union dues does not disqualify someone from benefits. The legislation provides more nuanced guidelines for workers affected by strikes or lockouts, potentially making unemployment benefits more accessible during labor disputes.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to the eligibility for unemployment benefits of individuals who are unemployed due to certain labor disputes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 207.048, Labor Code, is amended by amending Subsections (a), (b), and (f) and adding Subsection (g) to (a) An individual is disqualified for benefits for a benefit period in which the individual's total or partial unemployment is [(1)] the individual's stoppage of work because of a labor dispute at the factory, establishment, or other premises where the individual is or was last employed[; or [(2) a labor dispute at another place that: [(A) is owned or operated by the same employing unit that owns or operates the premises where the individual is or [(B) supplies material or services necessary to the continued and usual operation of the premises where the individual is or was last employed]. (b) Disqualification for benefits under this section does not apply to an individual who shows to the satisfaction of the commission that the individual: (1) is not participating in, financing, or directly interested in the labor dispute; [and] (2) does not belong to a grade or class of workers any members of which were employed at the premises of the labor dispute immediately before the beginning of the labor dispute and any of whom are participating in, financing, or directly interested in the (3) has been locked out of the individual's place of (4) has been placed on emergency leave without pay by (f) For the purposes of this section: (1) "Locked out" means the denial of entry by an employer to the place of employment of employees of that employer (B) notified the employer of a date on which the employees intend to go on strike. (2) "Premises" [, "premises"] includes a vessel. (g) For the purposes of Subsection (b), the payment of regular union dues by an individual does not constitute financing a SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill Sponsors
Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the eligibility for unemployment benefits of
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