AUSTIN Representative Tom Craddick (R-Midland) sent House Bill 915 to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk to be signed into law, according to a Thursday press release.
House Bill 915 establishes a workplace violence hotline named “Veronica’s Hotline” which gives workers an outlet for reporting workplace violence, the release detailed. Employers will add this notice to their current postings. There was strong support for this piece of legislation in both chambers, which has led to great legislation being passed.
House Bill 915 creates a 24-hour hotline for Texans to access and report workplace harassment or violence. The report made by this individual would remain anonymous and be referred to local law enforcement who would then assess and investigate. This piece of legislation was brought to Representative Craddick by the family of Veronica Sanchez who lost their beloved family member to workplace violence. This bill honors Veronica Sanchez and strives to ensure that no other family has to experience the loss of a loved one to workplace violence.
“I want Texans to know they are safe in the work environment and feel they have the room to prosper and grow in anything they choose to pursue,” said Craddick in the release.
Craddick added, “Having worked alongside the Sanchez family, who worked tirelessly advocating for this legislation, has been a true privilege. Without the family, none of this would be possible. I would also like to thank my colleagues in the Texas Legislature who aided in addressing this issue that we pray no one ever has to experience. With the implementation of Veronica’s Hotline, Texans will be able to do what they love and be given piece of mind to everyone knowing there are alternative options for workplace violence reporting’s.”
