TITLE: Relating to the eligibility of certain volunteer firefighters and paramedics for unemployment compensation benefits.

SUMMARY: Relating to the eligibility of certain volunteer firefighters and paramedics for unemployment compensation benefits.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the eligibility of certain volunteer firefighters and paramedics for unemployment compensation benefits. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter E, Chapter 201, Labor Code, is amended by adding Section 201.079 to read as follows: Sec. 201.079. SERVICE AS VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER OR PARAMEDIC. In this subtitle, "employment" does not include service performed by an individual as a volunteer firefighter or paramedic for which the only remuneration for the service is compensation for not more than two 12-hour shifts each week, regardless of whether the individual is certified to perform that service by an appropriate entity. SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies only to a claim for unemployment compensation benefits that is filed with the Texas Workforce Commission on or after the effective date of this Act. A claim filed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the claim was filed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.