H.B. No. 5031 is a bill that aims to enhance labor unions and workers' rights in Texas by amending various sections of the Labor Code. Key amendments include the affirmation of the right to organize and bargain collectively, with specific language changes that emphasize the protection of labor unions and workers. For instance, the bill replaces the phrase "in their personal labor in their respective employment" with a broader right to associate and form trade unions. Additionally, it clarifies that the right to organize is fundamental to living and that labor unions must be protected regardless of their unionized status.

The bill also repeals several existing provisions that may limit the bargaining power of labor unions and modifies the definition of "enforcement officer" to exclude the attorney general. It establishes that the activities of labor unions benefit the economic conditions of the state and country, reinforcing their public interest role. The changes are intended to be liberally construed to protect the rights of labor unions and working individuals, ensuring that they can organize for mutual benefit. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to conduct occurring on or after that date.

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)