H.B. No. 5031 is a legislative bill aimed at enhancing labor unions and workers' rights in Texas. The bill amends several sections of the Labor Code, notably emphasizing the right to organize and bargain collectively. Key changes include the removal of language that previously limited the scope of workers' rights to their respective employment, and the insertion of provisions that affirm the inherent right of individuals to organize and bargain freely with their employers. Additionally, the bill clarifies that labor unions and workers must be protected in their rights to organize for mutual benefit, and it ensures that existing fee restrictions do not impede bargaining agreements or the bargaining power of labor unions.

The bill also repeals several sections of the Labor Code and a provision from the Business & Commerce Code, streamlining the legal framework surrounding labor relations. The changes are intended to take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to conduct occurring after that date, preserving the previous law for actions taken before the effective date. Overall, H.B. No. 5031 seeks to strengthen the legal protections for labor unions and workers, promoting their rights to organize and negotiate collectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Labor Code 101.001, Labor Code 101.003, Labor Code 101.101, Labor Code 101.102, Labor Code 101.103, Labor Code 101.115, Labor Code 101.123 (Labor Code 101)