Bill > HB3494

This bill addresses wages for workers with disabilities by making several key changes to Texas labor law, with a primary focus on gradually transitioning workers with disabilities to receive at least the federal minimum wage by September 1, 2030. The legislation requires employers who currently pay workers with disabilities less than minimum wage to develop plans to increase wages, and mandates that the Texas Workforce Commission assist employers in this transition. The bill establishes a new subchapter providing detailed guidance for this process, including requirements for employers to retain workers during the wage increase, seek job training and employment services if worker retention is not possible, and obtain potential extensions for compliance. Specifically, the bill removes existing exemptions that allowed lower wages for workers with disabilities, requires employers to work towards paying federal minimum wage, provides supportive services through the Workforce Commission to help both employers and workers navigate this transition, and includes provisions for benefit counseling to ensure workers understand how wage increases might impact their existing benefits. The legislation is designed to phase in these changes over several years, with an implementation date of September 1, 2025, and full minimum wage compliance expected by September 1, 2030, with potential limited extensions available.

Labor and Employment

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3494