Texas Significantly Expands Employer and Employee Liability for Sexual Harassment

The number ‘15’ has significant meaning for employers in Texas. As a general rule, Texas employers who have fewer than 15 employees are not covered by the Texas Labor Code’s prohibitions against sexual harassment (and other forms of discrimination). Senate Bill 45, signed May 30 by Gov. Greg Abbott, changes that.

Changes to the Labor Code

Effective Sept. 1, any person or entity who “employs one or more employees” or who “acts directly in the interests of an employer in relation to an employee” will be a covered “employer” for purposes of sexual harassment under the Texas Labor Code.