Texas enacted several new laws before the close of this year’s legislative session; key provisions are summarized below.

Discrimination Update. As of September 1, 2019, age-based discrimination protections now apply to people 40 years old and over, which was expanded from the previous range of 40 to 56 years olds.

Electronic Payroll Cards. As of September 1, 2019, employers may use electronic payroll cards to pay employees, provided they give employees written notice of the plan and any fees associated with it at least 60 days before the first electronic funds are paid. Employees must be allowed to opt out of the program, and employers must pay wages using the selected alternative payment method as soon as practicable but no later than 30 days after the employee submits the request.

Jury Service Protections. As of September 1, 2019, employers are prohibited from threatening, intimidating, or discharging any permanent employee based on their jury service. Additionally, an employee’s job position is protected if an employee provides notice as soon as practicable that they intend to return to work after jury service. Further, jury duty protections have been expanded to include service on a grand jury.

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