See government pages of the local telephone directory for telephone numbers. The next step in starting a business is determining the federal and state employer requirements. As an employer, you have labor, safety, and tax obligations. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation reviews construction documents for the construction or substantial renovation, modification, or alteration of buildings or facilities defined as public or commercial accommodations for architectural barriers. This review is mandated through the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Current statutes cover all employment transactions.
All employers with 15 or more employees engaged in an industry affecting commerce, employment agencies, and labor unions are prohibited from denying equal employment opportunities. The TCHR has jurisdiction for investigating employment complaints in Texas. The EEOC promotes voluntary programs that allow employers and organizations to implement equal employment opportunity programs within their businesses. Employers with fewer than 150 employees, who take advantage of the free inspection and meet the federal requirements, will be exempted from a scheduled inspection for 12 months. The Labor Law Department is charged with the enforcement of state and federal labor laws as well as the prosecution of offenders of these laws.