The bill, H.B. No. 1567, amends Section 207.046(a) of the Labor Code to expand the eligibility criteria for unemployment compensation benefits. It specifies that individuals will not be disqualified from receiving benefits if they leave their workplace to care for a minor child due to an unexpected illness, accident, or other unforeseeable event, provided that no reasonable alternative care is available. This new provision is added as subsection (5), while the previous provision allowing for separation due to caring for a terminally ill spouse is retained but no longer includes the option to leave for other reasons.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the changes will only apply to claims for unemployment compensation filed with the Texas Workforce Commission on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Claims filed before this date will continue to be governed by the existing law. This legislative change aims to provide greater support for employees who need to leave work to care for their children in times of crisis.

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