HB 4251

relating to protection for certain essential workers and health
care practitioners in the private sector who report certain
activities or violations of law.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.   Subtitle A, Title 2, Labor Code, is amended by
adding Chapter 24 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 24.  EMPLOYMENT PROTECTIONS FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS AND
HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS REPORTING
CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OR VIOLATIONS OF LAW
Sec. 24.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Commission," "employee," and "employer" have the
meanings assigned by Section 61.001.
(2)  "Essential worker" means an individual who is
designated by the commission as an essential critical
infrastructure worker based on guidance issued during the
coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic by the United States
Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
(3)  "Health care practitioner" means an individual who
holds a license, certificate, permit, or other authorization to
engage in a health care profession in this state.
(A)  a state or federal statute;
(B)  an ordinance of a local government; or
(C)  a rule adopted under a statute or ordinance.
(5)  "Personnel action" means an action that affects an
employee's compensation, promotion, demotion, transfer, work
assignment, or performance evaluation.
(6)  "Report" means a written or oral employee report
Sec. 24.002.  EXEMPTION.  This chapter does not apply to an
employee of a state agency or local government subject to Chapter
Sec. 24.003.  APPLICABILITY.  This chapter applies only to
an employee who is employed in the capacity of an essential worker
Sec. 24.004.  EMPLOYER RETALIATION PROHIBITED.  An employer
may not suspend or terminate the employment of, or take other
adverse personnel action against, an employee who is employed by
the employer as an essential worker or health care practitioner
because the employee has reported activities within the workplace
that the employee reasonably believes compromise patient health or
safety or workplace safety or that constitute a violation of law if
(A)  an appropriate law enforcement authority;
(B)  an appropriate state or federal agency or
(C)  a supervisor, officer, or other appropriate
person who exercises managerial authority for the employer.
Sec. 24.005.  UNLAWFUL EMPLOYMENT PRACTICE.  An employer who
violates this chapter commits an unlawful employment practice under
SECTION 2.  Chapter 24, Labor Code, as added by this Act,
applies only to an unlawful employment practice that occurs on or
after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.