S.B. No. 543 amends the Texas Labor Code to expand eligibility for unemployment compensation for individuals who leave their jobs due to sexual harassment. The bill specifies that individuals will not be disqualified from receiving benefits if they leave their workplace because of sexual harassment, provided they have reported the harassment to either their employer or a law enforcement agency, or have filed a complaint with the Texas Commission on Human Rights or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This new provision is added as a fifth condition under Section 207.046(a), alongside existing reasons for separation related to family violence, stalking, or caring for a terminally ill spouse.

The bill also clarifies that the changes will only apply to claims for unemployment benefits filed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Claims filed before this date will be governed by the previous law. This legislative change aims to provide greater protections for employees facing sexual harassment in the workplace, ensuring they have access to unemployment benefits if they are compelled to leave their jobs for such reasons.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Labor Code 207.046 (Labor Code 207)