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. This 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 must align with existing national guidelines and 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. It also prohibits retaliation against employees who report heat-related issues or violations of the chapter. Employers found in violation of the new regulations may face administrative penalties starting at $1,000 per violation. Compliance with the new standards will not be mandatory until June 1, 2026, allowing time for the implementation of the advisory board's recommendations and the commission's adoption of the necessary standards.

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