Every Texan at some point in their lives needs time off work for their own illness or to take care of a sick or new child without losing their income. Yet, almost 45% of private sector workers—more than 4 million hardworking Texans—can’t earn even a single day of paid sick leave. And the vast majority—8 in 10, or 86% of, Texas workers—don't have access to paid family leave.

This puts Texas workers in the lose-lose situation of having to choose between their health and the health of their family or their job and livelihood. When workers aren’t forced to choose between their income and their health or their kids, they are more likely to stay in their jobs, providing stability for both their families and their employers.

The good news is progressive lawmakers in the Texas Legislature are fighting for laws that would make paid leave a reality for Texas families.

HB 656 by Rep. Ina Minjarez (D- San Antonio) would give Texas employees the opportunity to earn up to 30 days of paid sick and family leave. If their employer does not already provide paid leave, and the employee has been employed there for at least one year, they would be eligible for wage replacement benefits.

Status: Left Pending in House Business & Industry Committee

HB 830 by Rep. Cesar Blanco (D- El Paso) would give state employees 20 days of paid family leave upon the birth, adoption, or placement of a child.

Status: Referred to House General Investigating & Ethics Committee

HB 718 by Rep. Gene Wu (D- Houston) would give employees eight weeks of paid family leave within the first year of the birth, adoption, or placement of a child.

Status: Left Pending in Business & Industry Committee

HB 88 by Rep. Mando Martinez (D- Weslaco) would prevent employers who offer leave from excluding leave for care for employee’s foster children.

Status: Sent to the Governor