HB 168 — Use of time in the state

90R1496 SCL-D By: Ordaz H.B. No. 168 relating to use of time in the state and county family leave pool programs.

SECTION 1. Section 661.024(a), Government Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) A state employee is eligible to use time contributed to the family leave pool of the state agency that employs the employee if the employee has exhausted the employee's eligible compensatory, discretionary, sick, and vacation leave because of: (1) the birth of a child; (2) the placement of a foster child or adoption of a child under 18 years of age; (3) the placement of any person 18 years of age or older requiring guardianship; (4) a serious illness to an immediate family member or the employee, including a pandemic-related illness; (5) the provision of health care services for fertility; (6) an extenuating circumstance created by an ongoing pandemic, including providing essential care to a family member; or (7) [ (6) ] a previous donation of time to the pool.

SECTION 2. Section 157.084(a), Local Government Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) A county employee is eligible to use time contributed to the family leave pool of the county that employs the employee if the employee has exhausted the employee's eligible compensatory, discretionary, sick, and vacation leave because of: (1) the birth of a child; (2) the placement of a foster child or adoption of a child under 18 years of age; (3) the placement of any person 18 years of age or older requiring guardianship; (4) a serious illness to an immediate family member or the employee, including a pandemic-related illness; (5) the provision of health care services for fertility; (6) an extenuating circumstance created by an ongoing pandemic, including providing essential care to a family member; or (7) [ (6) ] a previous donation of time to the pool.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2027.