The Antelmo Ramirez Heat Safety Act aims to enhance workplace safety by preventing heat-related illnesses among employees in Texas. The bill introduces Chapter 53 to the Labor Code, which establishes a heat illness prevention advisory board tasked with developing and recommending heat illness prevention standards to the Texas Workforce Commission. The advisory board will consist of members with expertise in heat safety, construction workers, employers, and representatives from nonprofit organizations and labor unions. The commission is required to adopt these standards, which will include provisions for access to drinking water, shade, rest periods, emergency response procedures, and employee training.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of employers, including posting notices about heat illness prevention standards and providing training to employees in a language they understand. It also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report heat illnesses or violations of the chapter. The commission is authorized to impose administrative penalties for violations, starting at $1,000 per incident. Employers will not be required to comply with the new regulations until June 1, 2026, allowing time for the implementation of the standards and training.

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