Texas Employment Laws

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin, age, and genetic information. Applies to employers with 15 or more employees (mirrors federal Title VII). Claims are filed with the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division.

Texas is a right-to-work state. Employees cannot be required to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment. Agreements that require union membership as a condition of employment are unenforceable.

Employers must pay employees at least twice per month for salaried employees and at least semi-monthly for hourly employees. Unpaid wage claims must be filed with the Texas Workforce Commission within 180 days.

Public employees who report violations of law in good faith to an appropriate law enforcement authority are protected from retaliation. The employee must file suit within 90 days of the adverse action.

Texas does not set a state minimum wage above the federal rate. The federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour applies. Texas also preempts local governments from setting higher minimum wages.