Bill > HB949

This bill establishes new protections for employee privacy of personal health information in Texas by creating a new chapter in the Labor Code that defines key terms and outlines specific rights and penalties. Under this legislation, employees have the right to keep their personal health information private and cannot be required to disclose such information to their employer unless mandated by state or federal law. Employers are prohibited from taking adverse employment actions or discriminating against employees who exercise this privacy right. If an employer violates these provisions, they can be subject to a substantial civil penalty of $50,000 for each violation, which will be collected by the attorney general and deposited in the general revenue fund. Employees who believe their rights have been violated can file a complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission following existing procedures for employment discrimination claims. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to adverse employment practices that occur on or after that date, providing clarity and prospective protection for employees' health information privacy.

Labor and Employment

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB949