The bill amends Section 207.048 of the Labor Code to clarify the eligibility criteria for unemployment benefits for individuals affected by labor disputes. It specifies that individuals are disqualified from receiving benefits if their unemployment is caused by a labor dispute at their place of employment. However, the disqualification does not apply to those who can demonstrate that they are not involved in the dispute, do not belong to a class of workers involved, have been locked out of their workplace, or have been placed on emergency leave without pay.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions and clarifications, including the definition of "locked out" and stipulates that the payment of regular union dues does not count as financing a labor dispute. The changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for determining eligibility for unemployment benefits in the context of labor disputes, ensuring that individuals who are not directly involved or affected by such disputes can still access benefits. The bill will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Labor Code 207.048 (Labor Code 207)