New Texas Law Shields Employers With Wellness Programs: Employment Law Manual Updated, Legal Timetable Added

Author: Melissa Burdorf

Texas employers with employee wellness programs are protected from civil liability under a new law that takes effect September 1, 2015. The law prohibits employees from filing suit against an employer for establishing, maintaining or requiring participation in an employee wellness program unless:

  • The program discriminates on the basis of a prior medical condition, gender, age or income level; or
  • The employer engages in intentional or reckless conduct.

In light of this development, the Disabilities (ADA): Texas section of the Employment Law Manual has been updated and a Legal Timetable entry has been added.