| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Negative | Neutral | Neutral | Negative | Neutral |
Relating to the classification of certain construction workers and the eligibility of those workers for unemployment benefits; providing penalties.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 3656 would clarify and codify a number of regulations with respect to employee classification in the construction industry. Among other things, the bill stipulates that a contractor "shall properly classify each individual providing construction services as either an employee or an independent contractor in accordance with commission rules." The bill would impose substantial financial penalties for failure to comply.
Texas Action opposes HB 3656 which is inconsistent with limited government and free markets by delegating legislative authority to a state agency to determine the rules for employee classification for this industry. Legislators, not agency rule-makers should determine the specific rules for classifying employees.