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Bill

HB 5164

Relating to parental leave for certain employees paid by employers or insurance policies maintained by employers.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by John Bryant and 2 co-sponsors

HB 5164 would establish parental leave protections funded through employer benefits or insurance policies, potentially requiring Texas employers to provide job-protected time off for qualifying employees after childbirth or adoption.

Referred to s/c on Workforce by Speaker
#employeebenefits&leave(s0452) #family&medicalleave(s0419) #family--parent&child(i0355) #insurance #commissionerof(v0396) #insurance--health&accident(i0422) #labor--general(i0500) #labor--wages(i0485)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5164

Legislative bill overview

HB 5164 would establish or modify parental leave protections for certain employees in Texas, with the leave being funded through employer-paid benefits or employer-maintained insurance policies. The bill specifically targets employee protections related to parental leave eligibility, duration, or benefits administration. This is currently in early legislative stages, having just been referred to the Workforce subcommittee.

Why is this important

Parental leave policy directly affects workforce participation, family economic security, and employer competitiveness. Texas currently has no state-mandated paid parental leave requirement, making this bill potentially significant for working parents and employers' benefit structures. The outcome could influence how many Texas workers can afford time away from work for childbirth, adoption, or child bonding without facing financial hardship.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and cost burden: Whether the mandate applies to all employers or only certain sizes, and whether costs fall primarily on employers versus employees through insurance premiums
  • Duration and compensation levels: How many weeks of leave qualify and what percentage of wages are replaced, affecting both worker benefits and employer expenses
  • Competitive concerns: Whether mandates might disadvantage Texas businesses compared to states with less stringent requirements, or conversely, whether they're necessary to attract talent

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

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