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, it allows employees with intellectual or developmental disabilities to sue their employers for injuries sustained due to the employer's negligence, notwithstanding existing provisions in 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 new legal framework is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to causes of action that accrue on or after that date. This legislative change aims to provide additional protections and avenues for 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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