Texas enacted two pieces of legislation (Senate Bill 370 and House Bill 504) that will expand employment protections for employees summoned for jury duty. The laws took effect on September 1, 2019.
Background:
Currently, Texas employers are prohibited from terminating employees for serving as a juror.
Senate Bill 370 & House Bill 504:
Under Senate Bill 370 and House Bill 504, employers are also prohibited from threatening to terminate, intimidating, or coercing any employee because they serve as a juror or grand juror, or for their attendance or scheduled attendance in connection with their service, in any court in the United States.
Employment Protections:
An employee who is terminated, intimidated, or coerced in violation of the law is entitled to return to the same job that they had when they were summoned to jury duty, as long as they provide their employer with notice that they intend to return to work. The notice must be given by the employee as soon as practical after their release from jury duty.
Compliance Recommendations:
Texas employers should review their policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Senate Bill 370 and House Bill 504.
Please contact your dedicated service professional with any questions.