Bill > HB182

This bill establishes new requirements for rest breaks for employees working on construction contracts with governmental entities in Texas. Specifically, the bill mandates that contractors and subcontractors must provide each employee performing construction work with at least one 10-minute paid rest break during every four-hour work period. The bill defines various terms such as "general construction" (which includes building, remodeling, repairing, or improving structures) and "governmental entity" (which encompasses state agencies and political subdivisions). Construction contracts with governmental entities must now include provisions allowing employees to file complaints about rest break violations, requiring the governmental entity to notify contractors of such violations, and authorizing administrative penalties. If a contractor fails to provide required rest breaks, the governmental entity can impose a penalty ranging from $100 to $500 per day, which can be withheld from contract payments. The bill does not prevent local governments from establishing rest break rules that are equal to or more stringent than the state requirement. The new provisions will apply only to contracts for which solicitations are published on or after September 1, 2025, with the act taking effect on that same date.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB182