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

SB 2868 amends Texas Labor Code sections to address sexual harassment in employment. It creates a new provision (Section 21.2545) allowing employees to directly file civil lawsuits for damages arising from sexual harassment without first filing a complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission. The bill also clarifies the definition of sexual harassment and strengthens protections against retaliation for reporting such harassment. This change directly affects employees in Texas workplaces who experience sexual harassment and seek legal recourse. The key mechanism removes a prior requirement to exhaust administrative complaint processes before pursuing civil action.