The bill, H.B. No. 3494, aims to amend the Labor Code regarding wages for workers with disabilities, with significant changes set to take effect on September 1, 2030. It removes the previous exception for employers regarding the payment of federal minimum wage to employees with disabilities, mandating that all employers must pay at least the federal minimum wage as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Additionally, it introduces a new subchapter that outlines a minimum wage plan specifically for workers with disabilities, requiring employers to develop a plan to increase wages to the federal minimum by the specified date. The bill also includes provisions for assistance from the workforce commission to help employers and workers navigate this transition.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that if an employer cannot retain all workers with disabilities after raising their wages, they must collaborate with the commission to find job training and employment services for those affected. The commission is also tasked with assisting workers who are not retained in securing new employment that meets the minimum wage requirement. The new provisions will expire on September 1, 2031, and employers may request a one-time extension for compliance under certain conditions. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance wage protections for workers with disabilities while providing support for both employers and employees during the transition.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Labor Code 62.051, Labor Code 62.057, Labor Code 62.161, Labor Code 201.067 (Labor Code 201, Labor Code 62)