Bill > SB2868

This bill modifies Texas labor laws regarding sexual harassment in employment, expanding protections and legal recourse for employees. The bill broadens the definition of sexual harassment to include "abusive" environments and strengthens anti-retaliation provisions, explicitly protecting individuals who report sexual harassment. It introduces a new provision allowing employees to file civil actions for sexual harassment claims without first filing a complaint with the commission, and even if a commission complaint is still pending. The bill extends the statute of limitations for sexual harassment claims, allowing individuals to file civil actions up to two years from when the harassment occurred. Importantly, the bill removes the existing damage caps for sexual harassment cases, instead subjecting such cases to a different legal standard for damages under the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. These changes aim to provide more comprehensive legal protections for employees who experience sexual harassment, making it easier to report incidents and seek legal remedies. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to conduct occurring on or after that date.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2868