The bill, 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. Specifically, it adds a new provision stating 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 or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This addition is marked as a new section (5) in the existing law.

Additionally, the bill 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. The bill aims to provide greater protection for employees facing sexual harassment in the workplace, ensuring they have access to unemployment benefits if they are compelled to leave their jobs for this reason.

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