Bill > HB2472

This bill creates new protections for tipped employees in Texas regarding gratuities by establishing that tips are the sole property of the employee and prohibiting employers from collecting or receiving any portion of those tips, regardless of whether the employer uses a tip credit for minimum wage calculations. The bill defines a specific criminal penalty, making it a third-degree felony for employers who violate these provisions. Specifically, employers must pay employees the full amount of gratuities received via credit or debit card by the employee's first payday after the gratuity was authorized, and each violation is considered a separate offense. A "tipped employee" is defined according to existing state labor code, and the law will only apply to conduct occurring on or after September 1, 2025. The legislation aims to protect workers in the service industry by ensuring they receive the full amount of tips left by customers and preventing employers from inappropriately withholding or redirecting those funds.

Labor and Employment

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2472