Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a growing company, this episode offers an easy-to-understand guide to how employment laws are shaped in Texas—and why that matters for your day-to-day operations.

The Texas Legislature only meets every two years, but when it does, big things can happen—especially for employers. As we look ahead to the 2025 session, there’s already a long list of employment-related bills on the table. From paid leave proposals to worker classification rules, these bills could affect how you hire, manage, and pay your employees.

Even if a bill doesn’t become law, Michael points out that it still signals what lawmakers—and voters—are thinking about. For employers, it’s a chance to get ahead of the curve, understand what’s being discussed, and prepare for what could come next.

Breaking Down the Process

Let’s face it: government processes can seem complicated and far removed from your daily business decisions. But Michael makes the legislative process feel a lot more manageable.

Here’s the gist: legislators file bills, which are then reviewed by committees, debated, amended, and voted on by the Texas House and Senate. If a bill makes it through all that, it goes to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.

But here’s the part that might surprise you—business owners can have a real voice in this process. Lawmakers often listen to feedback from local businesses, and your input can influence how a bill is shaped. Michael encourages business owners to get to know their local representatives and speak up about how proposed laws could affect their operations.

What’s Coming in 2025?

Michael gives us a sneak peek at some of the topics likely to take center stage during the 2025 legislative session. While things are still evolving, some big themes include:

• Workforce development and job training
• Paid family and sick leave policies
• Clarifications around independent contractor status
• Workplace safety and employer responsibilities

These aren’t just government buzzwords—they’re topics that could impact your payroll, staffing decisions, compliance obligations, and more. For example, a new paid leave law could mean updating your employee handbook and budgeting for additional benefits. Or changes in contractor classification rules could affect how you work with freelancers or gig workers.

How This Impacts Your Bottom Line

If your first thought is, “I’ll deal with it when it happens,” here’s why you might want to reconsider. Waiting until a law is passed can put your business at risk—whether that’s through unexpected compliance costs, penalties, or just scrambling to update your policies.

Staying ahead of the game gives you a financial advantage. You can plan smarter, avoid costly surprises, and make informed decisions that keep your business running smoothly. Plus, by knowing what’s being proposed, you can advocate for changes that work in your favor.

TWC Is Here to Help

Throughout the conversation, Joe and Bonnie emphasize a key message: you don’t have to figure this out alone. The Texas Workforce Commission is here as a resource. From legislative updates to employment law guidance, TWC offers tools, hotlines, and events to keep you in the know.

Whether you’re writing a policy, updating your employee handbook, or just trying to understand how a new law might affect your business, TWC is here to support you every step of the way.

Listen to the 89th Legislative Session 101 with Michael Britt on Another Week of Available Work featuring Michael Britt, and walk away with practical insights that could help protect your business: