TX HB4251

Prohibits private sector employers from suspending, terminating, or taking adverse personnel actions against essential workers and health care practitioners who report workplace activities that compromise patient health, patient safety, workplace safety, or violate the law

Protects employees who make good-faith reports to law enforcement, state or federal regulatory agencies, or supervisors and managers within their organization

Defines "essential worker" based on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's critical infrastructure worker designations issued during the COVID-19 pandemic

Excludes state agency and local government employees who are already covered under existing whistleblower protections in Chapter 554 of the Government Code

Classifies violations of these protections as unlawful employment practices under Chapter 21 of the Labor Code, with the law taking effect September 1, 2025