The bill, H.B. No. 2472, introduces new regulations regarding gratuities paid to tipped employees in Texas. It amends the Labor Code by adding Section 61.021, which defines a "tipped employee" and prohibits employers from collecting or receiving any portion of gratuities left for these employees. This includes any deductions for financial services related to credit or debit card transactions. The bill emphasizes that gratuities are the sole property of the tipped employee and mandates that employers must pay the full amount of any gratuity left by a customer using a credit or debit card by the employee's first payday following the authorization of the gratuity.

Additionally, the bill establishes a criminal offense for employers who violate these provisions, classifying such violations as a third-degree felony. Each violation is treated as a separate offense. The new regulations will apply only to conduct occurring on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

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