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Bill

HB 1362

Relating to eligibility for unemployment compensation for employees who leave the workplace due to sexual harassment.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Ana Hernandez

HB 1362 allows Texas workers who quit due to sexual harassment to claim unemployment benefits, extending protections beyond involuntary job loss.

Referred to Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
#crimes--againstpersons--sexual(i0171) #labor--unemployment(i0475) #sexualharassment(s4376)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1362

Legislative bill overview

HB 1362 would expand Texas unemployment compensation eligibility to include employees who voluntarily leave their jobs due to sexual harassment. Currently, Texas law generally requires workers to be involuntarily separated from employment to qualify for benefits. This bill creates a narrow exception for harassment-related departures.

Why is this important

Sexual harassment victims often face an impossible choice: endure workplace abuse or lose their income and health insurance. This bill addresses a gap where workers harassed out of their jobs receive no unemployment safety net, potentially forcing them back into hostile environments or into financial hardship. The change could provide crucial economic protection during job transitions and signal state-level commitment to workplace safety standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Burden of proof: Questions remain about how claimants would document sexual harassment and what standard of evidence would apply, potentially creating disputes between workers and employers
  • Cost implications: Expanding the unemployment insurance pool increases payroll tax obligations on employers, which business groups may oppose as an unfunded mandate
  • Definition scope: "Sexual harassment" varies in legal interpretation—the bill's definition could be narrower or broader than federal Title VII standards, creating confusion about eligibility

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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