The bill, H.B. No. 1609, introduces new provisions in the Texas Labor Code to prohibit employment discrimination against employees who are volunteer emergency responders. It establishes Chapter 24, which defines key terms such as "volunteer emergency responder," "declared disaster," and "employer." The bill specifies that employers cannot terminate or discriminate against an employee who is absent or late due to responding to a declared disaster in their capacity as a volunteer emergency responder. However, it limits the absence to a maximum of 14 days in a calendar year unless otherwise approved by the employer.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of employees to notify their employers of potential absences and provides guidelines for wage reductions or the use of leave time during such absences. It also establishes the rights of employees whose employment is wrongfully terminated or suspended under this chapter, including reinstatement and compensation for lost wages. Employees are granted the right to bring civil actions against employers for violations of this chapter, with specific provisions regarding the timeline for such actions. The law will take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to causes of action that accrue on or after that date.

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