Texas cities retain powers to regulate private-sector hiring, benefits
June 01, 2021 at 14:16 PM EDT
Supporters of the bill argued it was necessary to avoid a patchwork of regulations that change from one city to the next. Opponents countered it would roll back worker protections in communities that have made such protections a priority — including Austin, where city leaders want almost all businesses to offer employees sick leave. The bill died in the final days of this year's Texas Legislature, although some proponents hope it will be addressed in a special section.