As we near the end of the regular session of the Texas legislature (May 27), we wanted to give you a quick update on the status of various proposed nonsubscriber-related bills. Similar measures to these have been proposed unsuccessfully in past sessions. The odds are that these bills will not pass either though there is some chance that one or more may make it out of committee.

Mandatory Workers’ Compensation for Construction Industry

These bills (HB 475 and SB 740) would require construction contractors and subcontractors to provide workers’ compensation insurance. HB 475 was considered in a public hearing in the House Business and Industry Committee on March 5 and remains pending. The Senate Bill was introduced and referred to the Senate State Affairs Committee on February 26 but no hearing has been scheduled at this time.

Life Insurance Coverage Requirement for Nonsubscribing Employees

HB 3310 and SB 1020 would require nonsubscribers to purchase not less than $200,000 of life insurance coverage for each employee. HB 3310 has been referred to the House Business and Industry Committee. The Senate version was referred to the Senate State Affairs Committee. The house bill has been set to be heard on April 16, 2013 at 1:30 p.m.

Additional Data Reporting for Nonsubscribers

HB 3311 and SB 907 would impose additional injury reporting requirements upon nonsubscribers. The HB has been set for a hearing on April 16, 2013 at 1:30 p.m.

Mandatory Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Domestic Workers and Hotel Employees

HB 1955 would require workers’ compensation coverage be provided for domestic workers and hotel employees. Testimony concerning this bill was heard on March 12, 2013 by the House Business and Industry Committee and it remains pending there.