H.B. No. 2753 aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding unlawful employment practices related to sexual harassment in Texas. The bill amends several sections of the Labor Code, including Section 21.055, which now explicitly states that retaliation against individuals who oppose discriminatory practices or participate in investigations related to sexual harassment is unlawful. Additionally, the definition of "sexual harassment" in Section 21.141 is expanded to include creating an "abusive" working environment. The bill introduces Section 21.2545, allowing individuals to file civil actions for damages related to sexual harassment without needing to first file a complaint with the commission, thereby streamlining the process for victims seeking justice.

Further amendments include changes to the statute of limitations for civil actions, which now allows for claims based on sexual harassment to be filed within two years of the unlawful conduct, regardless of prior complaints. The bill also modifies the limits on compensatory and punitive damages, stating that these limits do not apply to civil actions for sexual harassment, thus potentially increasing the financial remedies available to victims. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to claims based on conduct occurring after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Labor Code 21.055, Labor Code 21.141, Labor Code 21.254, Labor Code 21.256, Labor Code 21.2585 (Labor Code 21)