H.B. No. 5196 introduces new provisions regarding telework for state employees in Texas. The bill defines "telework" as a work arrangement that allows state agency employees to conduct agency business from locations other than their assigned workplaces during established work hours. It amends existing law to allow employees to telework if they receive authorization from the administrative head of their agency, replacing the previous requirement for prior written authorization. Additionally, the bill establishes new sections that outline the conditions under which telework agreements can be made, including the necessity for written agreements that specify the reasons for telework, terms for revocation, and annual renewals.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that state agencies develop a telework plan that includes criteria for evaluating employee performance while teleworking, performance standards, monitoring systems, and security controls. It also ensures that teleworking employees are subject to the same rules and disciplinary actions as their in-office counterparts and prohibits them from conducting in-person business at their personal residences. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
House Committee Report: Government Code 658.001, Government Code 658.010 (Government Code 658)
Engrossed: Government Code 658.001, Government Code 658.010 (Government Code 658)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 658.001, Government Code 658.010 (Government Code 658)
Enrolled: Government Code 658.001, Government Code 658.010 (Government Code 658)