| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Negative | Neutral | Neutral | Negative | Neutral |
Relating to the prohibition of certain employment discrimination regarding an employee who is a volunteer emergency responder.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 318 would prohibit an employer from firing, suspending or in any manner discriminating against an employee who misses work because the employee is a volunteer firefighter, so long as the employee makes a reasonable effort to inform their employer when they will be absent. HB 318 specifies that an employer can reduce wages or existing vacation leave for an employee who misses work for volunteer firefighter activities.
An employer who violates this provision would be subject to certain liability, including a requirement to reinstate an individual to their position or a similar position, compensation for wages lost, and reinstatement of fringe benefits. The bill would also create a cause of action allowing an employee to bring a civil action against an employer who violates the provisions of this legislation.
Texas Action opposes HB 318 because it violates the limited government and free market principles. This legislation would interfere in the employer/employee relationship and likely make employers hesitant to hire volunteer firefighters in the future.