The Texas state legislature is currently considering four bills (Senate Bills 2485, 2486, 2487, and 2488) that are of great importance to the employer community, especially staffing companies.
These four bills would prohibit Texas cities and towns from passing employment-related ordinances relating to such things as paid sick or other leave, scheduling practices, and employee benefits. If enacted, only the state legislature would have the authority to pass laws in these areas, and staffing companies would no longer be faced with the daunting prospect of a patchwork of local laws.
Earlier this month, all four bills were passed out of the Texas Senate and sent to the House for consideration. Unfortunately, the House Committee on State Affairs has not yet scheduled these bills for a hearing. If they are not passed out of the committee by May 6, they will be dead for the year.
That is why ASA is asking all of our members doing business in Texas to contact members of the Texas House State Affairs Committee and urge them to tell their chairman to schedule votes for these bills as soon as possible. Sample talking points and contact information for these legislators is included below.
We are very close to getting these important bills sent to the Governor. But your help is essential. Now is the time to take a few minutes and reach out to the following committee members. The only way these bills will keep moving is if legislators hear from many constituents, so please do your part. Thank you for taking grassroots action.
House State Affairs Committee:
Rep. Dade Phelan, Chair: Phone: 512-463-0706
Rep. Ana Hernandez, Vice Chair: 512-463-0614
Rep. Joe Deshotel: 512-463-0662
Rep. R. D. "Bobby" Guerra: 512-463-0578
Rep. Sam Harless: 512-463-0496
Rep. Justin Holland: 512-463-0484
Rep. Todd Hunter: 512-463-0672
Rep. Phil King: 512-463-0738
Rep. Tan Parker: 512-463-0688
Rep. Richard Peña Raymond: 512-463-0558
Rep. Eddie Rodriguez: 512-463-0674
Rep. John T. Smithee: 512-463-0702
Rep. Drew Springer: 512-463-0526
