Relating to unlawful employment practices based on sexual harassment, including complaints and civil actions arising from those practices.

HB 5400 would amend Texas labor law to strengthen protections against workplace sexual harassment. It clarifies that "sexual harassment" includes unwanted advances, requests for sexual favors, or conduct that creates a hostile work environment, and explicitly extends anti-retaliation protections to individuals who report such harassment. The bill's key provision (Section 4) allows victims to directly file civil lawsuits for damages related to sexual harassment without first having to file a complaint with the state commission or wait for a notice of their right to sue. This change would directly affect employees and job applicants experiencing sexual harassment in Texas workplaces by providing a more direct legal path for seeking redress. The bill is currently pending in committee and has not yet become law.