The bill, S.B. No. 220, amends the Texas Workers' Compensation Act by adding a new section, 408.0011, which establishes civil liability for employers in cases where employees who are victims of sexual assault or abuse seek to bring a cause of action against them. Specifically, this provision allows employees with intellectual or developmental disabilities to sue their employers for injuries sustained as a result of the employer's negligence, notwithstanding existing limitations under Section 408.001. The bill defines key terms such as "developmental disability," "intellectual disability," "sexual abuse," and "sexual assault" by referencing relevant sections of the Human Resources and Penal Codes.

The changes introduced by this bill will only apply to causes of action that accrue on or after its effective date, which is set for September 1, 2025. This legislative action aims to provide additional legal recourse for vulnerable employees who may have previously faced barriers in seeking justice for their injuries related to sexual misconduct in the workplace.

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