October 2025 Labor Law Updates for Houston, Texas
Welcome to the monthly roundup of Texas labor law developments, brought to you by the Houston office of HKM Employment Attorneys. This update is designed for HR professionals, employers and employees in Texas who want to stay current with key regulatory, legislative and enforcement changes in the realm of Texas workplace rights and employment law.
These developments reflect both active litigation (such as the PWFA challenge) and legislative/regulatory shifts that impact Texas employers and employees alike. As always, if you have questions about how these changes affect your specific workplace, or if you are reviewing your policies or facing potential liability, please contact HKM Employment Attorneys (https://hkm.com) for detailed guidance.
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Challenge — Court Ruling
Date: October 3, 2025
Type: Court Ruling
Summary:
In a filing on October 3rd, the State of Texas requested another opportunity to convince the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to reconsider its August 15 ruling that the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) was constitutionally enacted — i.e., that the U.S. House’s use of proxy voting during the COVID-19 pandemic did not violate the Quorum Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Implications:
Texas employers should be aware that this statute (which requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers) remains in effect and potentially enforceable. Even though the state is challenging the law’s validity, until and unless it is held invalid, employers must stay compliant.
HR teams in Texas should review their accommodation policies and procedures for pregnant employees (or those affected by related conditions) to ensure alignment with PWFA obligations — especially since the Fifth Circuit’s decision suggests the law stands.
Key Effective-Date Changes From 2025 Laws — Compliance Reminder
Date: October 2025 (Various statutes effective September 1, 2025)
Type: Legislation / Regulatory Update
Summary:
Several significant Texas employment-law changes took effect September 1, 2025, and October serves as a key month for employers to ensure full implementation. Among these changes:
Under Texas House Bill 2466, Texas now prohibits asking about criminal history on job applications (“Ban the Box”) beginning September 1, 2025.
Various bills passed by the 89th Texas Legislature (e.g., relating to gig worker classification, DEI initiatives, minimum-wage and contractor issues) are now in effect or imminent.
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) published its October 2025 edition of “Texas Employers”, highlighting National Disability Employment Awareness Month and reinforcing inclusive-workplace practices.
Implications:
Texas employers should audit their job application forms, screening practices and recruitment policies to ensure compliance with the “Ban the Box” prohibition.
Policies regarding classification of workers (employee vs contractor) should be revisited in light of updated guidance and classification risk.
Because the TWC is spotlighting disability-employment inclusion, it may be a good time for Texas employers to review accommodation obligations and inclusive practices for disabled workers (including outreach in observance of the awareness month).
October is a strategic month to check off compliance tasks tied to the new regulatory regime and ensure handbooks, postings and training are updated accordingly.
Conclusion: Looking Back on Texas’ Labor Law Updates from October 2025
With Texas courts increasingly addressing wage-and-hour disputes, discrimination, and contract enforcement, you don’t have to stay stuck in uncertainty. At HKM Employment Attorneys in Houston, our seasoned attorneys—such as Alvin Adjei and Taylor Jones—are deeply versed in discrimination, hostile work environments, contractual breaches, wage theft, whistleblower claims, and more. Our Houston team combines responsive communication, national recognition, and no‑fee‑unless‑we‑win advocacy to help local employees navigate complex workplace issues. If recent case rulings hit close to your experience, reach out to our Houston office and let us help you assert your rights and pursue meaningful justice.
