H.B. No. 1694 amends the Texas Labor Code to clarify the eligibility of school bus drivers and cafeteria workers for unemployment compensation benefits. The bill introduces a new subsection (b-1) to Section 207.041, stating that the provisions of subsection (b) do not apply to individuals whose services for an educational institution consist solely of driving a school bus for student transportation or working as a cafeteria worker. This change aims to ensure that these specific roles are not disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits.

The bill specifies that the new eligibility criteria will only apply to claims for unemployment compensation benefits filed with the Texas Workforce Commission on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Claims filed prior to this date will continue to be governed by the existing law. This transition ensures that individuals who have already filed claims are not adversely affected by the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Labor Code 207.041 (Labor Code 207)