CHAPTER 61. PAYMENT OF WAGES
LABOR CODE
TITLE 2. PROTECTION OF LABORERS
SUBTITLE C. WAGES
CHAPTER 61. PAYMENT OF WAGES
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 61.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Commission" means the Texas Workforce Commission.
(2) "Day" means a calendar day.
(3) "Employee" means an individual who is employed by an
employer for compensation. The term does not include:
(A) a person related to the employer or the employer's spouse
within the first or second degree by consanguinity or affinity,
as determined under Chapter 573, Government Code; or
(B) an independent contractor.
(4) "Employer" means a person who:
(A) employs one or more employees; or
(B) acts directly or indirectly in the interests of an employer
in relation to an employee.
(5) "Employment" means any service, including service in
interstate commerce, that is performed for wages or under a
contract of hire, whether written or oral or express or implied.
The term does not include any service performed by an individual
for wages if it is shown that the individual is free from control
or direction in the performance of the service, both under any
contract of service and in fact.
(6) "Mail" means to deposit for mailing with the United States
Postal Service.
(7) "Wages" means compensation owed by an employer for:
(A) labor or services rendered by an employee, whether computed
on a time, task, piece, commission, or other basis; and
(B) vacation pay, holiday pay, sick leave pay, parental leave
pay, or severance pay owed to an employee under a written
agreement with the employer or under a written policy of the
employer.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(27), 9.12(a),
eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
378, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 61.002. COMMISSION DUTIES. (a) The commission shall:
(1) administer this chapter; and
(2) adopt rules as necessary to implement this chapter.
(b) The commission may require reports, conduct investigations,
and take other action as it considers necessary to implement this
chapter.
(c) In the discharge of the duties imposed by this chapter, any
authorized representative or member of the commission may:
(1) administer an oath or affirmation;
(2) take a deposition;
(3) certify to an official act; and
(4) issue a subpoena to compel the attendance of a witness and
the production of books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, and
other records considered necessary as evidence in the
administration of this chapter.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 9.13(a), eff. Sept.
1, 1995.
Sec. 61.003. GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES EXCLUDED. This chapter does
not apply to the United States, this state, or a political
subdivision of this state.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 61.004. PAYMENT OF CERTAIN FEES FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS.
Notwithstanding Chapter 152 or 154, Local Government Code, or any
other law of this state, the fees assessed by a sheriff or
constable for service of a subpoena under Section 61.002 shall be
paid by the commission out of the administrative funds of the
commission, and the comptroller shall issue warrants for those
fees as directed by the commission.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 9.13(b), eff. Sept.
1, 1995.
Sec. 61.005. EFFECT OF REFUSAL TO OBEY COMMISSION SUBPOENA;
CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) In the case of contumacy or other refusal
by a person to obey a subpoena issued by the commission or an
authorized representative of the commission to that person, any
county or district court of this state in the jurisdiction of
which the inquiry is carried on or in the jurisdiction of which
the person guilty of contumacy or refusal to obey is found,
resides, or transacts business has jurisdiction, on application
by the commission or its representative, to issue to the person
an order requiring the person to appear before the commission or
its authorized representative to:
(1) produce evidence if so ordered; or
(2) testify regarding the matter under investigation or in
question.
(b) The court may punish as contempt a failure to obey a court
order issued under Subsection (a).
(c) A person commits an offense if the person, without just
cause, fails or refuses to obey a commission subpoena to:
(1) attend and testify;
(2) answer any lawful inquiry; or
(3) produce books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, or other
records.
(d) An offense under Subsection (c) is punishable by a fine of
not less than $200, by confinement for not more than 60 days, or
by both fine and confinement. Each day of violation constitutes a
separate offense.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 9.13(b), eff. Sept.
1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 817, Sec. 10.11,
eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
SUBCHAPTER B. PAYMENT OF WAGES
Sec. 61.011. PAYDAYS. (a) An employer shall pay wages to each
employee who is exempt from the overtime pay provisions of the
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. Section 201 et seq.)
at least once a month.
(b) An employer shall pay wages to an employee other than an
employee covered by Subsection (a) at least twice a month.
(c) If wages are paid twice a month, each pay period must
consist as nearly as possible of an equal number of days.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 61.012. DESIGNATION OF PAYDAYS; NOTICE. (a) An employer
shall designate paydays in accordance with Section 61.011.
(b) If an employer fails to designate paydays, the employer's
paydays are the first and 15th day of each month.
(c) An employer shall post, in conspicuous places in the
workplace, notices indicating the paydays.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 61.013. PAYMENT OTHER THAN ON PAYDAY. An employer shall
pay an employee who is not paid on a payday for any reason,
including the employee's absence on a payday, on another regular
business day on the employee's request.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 61.014. PAYMENT AFTER TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. (a) An
employer shall pay in full an employee who is discharged from
employment not later than the sixth day after the date the
employee is discharged.
(b) An employer shall pay in full an employee who leaves
employment other than by discharge not later than the next
regularly scheduled payday.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 61.015. PAYMENT OF COMMISSIONS AND BONUSES. (a) Wages
paid on commission and bonuses are due according to the terms of:
(1) an agreement between the employee and employer; or
(2) an applicable collective bargaining agreement.
(b) An employer shall pay wages paid on commission and bonuses
to an employee in a timely manner as required for the payment of
other wages under this chapter.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 61.016. FORM OF PAYMENT. (a) An employer shall pay wages
to an employee:
(1) in United States currency;
(2) by a written instrument issued by the employer that is
negotiable on demand at full face value for United States
currency; or
(3) by the electronic transfer of funds.
(b) An employee may agree in writing to receive part or all of
the wages in kind or in another form.
(c) Payment by a written instrument that is not negotiable or
for which payment is refused for any reason attributable to the
employer does not constitute payment of wages for the purposes of
this chapter.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 61.017. DELIVERY OF PAYMENT. (a) An employer shall pay
wages through a means authorized by this section.
(b) An employer may pay wages by:
(1) delivering them to the employee at the employee's regular
place of employment during regular employment hours;
(2) delivering them to the employee at a time and place agreed
on by the employer and employee;
(3) sending them to the employee by registered mail, to be
received by the employee not later than payday;
(4) delivering them in a manner similar to a manner specified by
Subdivision (1), (2), or (3) to a person designated by the
employee in writing; or
(5) delivering them to the employee by any reasonable means
authorized by the employee in writing.
(c) An employer may elect to pay wages to an employee who
maintains at a financial institution an account that qualifies
for electronic funds transfer through a direct deposit plan that
uses electronic funds transfer to deposit the wages in the
employee's account. An employer who desires to pay wages through
a direct deposit plan shall:
(1) notify each affected employee in writing, at least 60 days
before the date on which the direct deposit payroll system is
scheduled to begin, that the employer is adopting a direct
deposit payroll system; and
(2) obtain from the employee any information required by the
financial institution in which the employee maintains the account
that is necessary to implement the electronic funds transfer.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 316, Sec. 1, eff. June 18,
2003.
Sec. 61.018. DEDUCTION FROM WAGES. An employer may not withhold
or divert any part of an employee's wages unless the employer:
(1) is ordered to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction;
(2) is authorized to do so by state or federal law; or
(3) has written authorization from the employee to deduct part
of the wages for a lawful purpose.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 61.019. FAILURE TO PAY WAGES; CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) An
employer commits an offense if:
(1) at the time of hiring an employee, the employer intends to
avoid payment of wages owed to the employee; and
(2) the employer fails after demand to pay those wages.
(b) An employer commits an offense if the employer:
(1) intends to avoid payment of wages owed to an employee;
(2) intends to continue to employ the employee; and
(3) fails after demand to pay those wages.
(c) An employer commits a separate offense under Subsection (b)
for each pay period during which the employee earns wages that
the employer fails to pay.
(d) An offense under this section is a felony of the third
degree.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1158, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1997.
Sec. 61.020. FAILURE TO PAY WAGES; ATTORNEY GENERAL ACTION. The
attorney general may seek injunctive relief in district court
against an employer who repeatedly fails to pay wages as required
by this chapter.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
SUBCHAPTER C. SECURITY FOR WAGE PAYMENTS
Sec. 61.031. BOND. (a) The commission may require an employer
to deposit a bond if:
(1) the employer is convicted of two violations of this chapter;
or
(2) a final order of the commission against an employer for
nonpayment of wages remains unsatisfied after the 10th day after
the date on which the time to appeal from that final order has
expired and an appeal is not pending.
(b) The bond must be:
(1) in an amount approved and considered by the commission as
adequate under the circumstances;
(2) payable to the state;
(3) conditioned that the employer, for a period not to exceed 36
months, pay the employees in accordance with this chapter; and
(4) conditioned that the employer pay any sum recovered against
the employer under this chapter.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 61.032. SUIT TO ENFORCE BOND REQUIREMENT. (a) If an
employer fails to deposit a bond required under Section 61.031
before the 11th day after the date on which demand is made for
the bond, the attorney general may bring a suit in the name of
the state against the employer to furnish the bond or to cease
doing business until the employer furnishes the bond.
(b) If the court finds just cause for requiring the bond and
that the bond is reasonably necessary and proper to secure prompt
payment of the wages of the employees of the employer and the
employer's compliance with this chapter, the court may enjoin the
employer from doing business until the requirement is met. The
injunction may also apply to any other person concerned with or
in any way participating in the failure to pay wages resulting in
the conviction or in a final order of the commission. The court
may make any other order appropriate and necessary to compel
compliance with the requirement.
(c) In an action under this section, the employer has the burden
of proving that the bond is unnecessary or that the amount
demanded by the commission is excessive.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 61.033. FAILURE OF SURETY COMPANY TO PAY VERIFIED CLAIM FOR
WAGES; CIVIL PENALTY. (a) A surety company that issues a bond
to secure the payment of wages under this chapter and that
wilfully fails to pay a verified claim for wages found to be due
and payable is subject to a civil penalty in the amount of $1,000
for each failure to pay each employee.
(b) A subsequent violation is subject to a civil penalty in the
amount of $1,000 for each failure to pay each employee plus 25
percent of the amount unlawfully withheld.
(c) The attorney general shall recover a penalty imposed by this
section in an action brought in the name of the state.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
SUBCHAPTER D. WAGE CLAIMS
Sec. 61.051. FILING WAGE CLAIM. (a) An employee who is not
paid wages as prescribed by this chapter may file a wage claim
with the commission in accordance with this subchapter.
(b) A wage claim must be filed in a manner and on a form
prescribed by the commission and must be verified by the
employee.
(c) A wage claim must be filed not later than the 180th day
after the date the wages claimed became due for payment. The
180-day deadline is a matter of jurisdiction.
(d) The employee may file the wage claim:
(1) in person at an office of the commission;
(2) by mailing the claim to an address designated by the
commission;
(3) by faxing the claim to a fax number designated by the
commission; or
(4) by any other means adopted by the commission by rule.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
21, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
97, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 61.052. PRELIMINARY WAGE DETERMINATION ORDER. (a) An
examiner employed by the commission shall analyze each wage claim
filed under Section 61.051 and, if the claim alleges facts
actionable under this chapter, shall investigate the claim and
issue a preliminary wage determination order:
(1) dismissing the wage claim; or
(2) ordering payment of wages determined to be due and unpaid.
(b) If a commission examiner imposes an administrative penalty
under Section 61.053, the preliminary wage determination order
must include an order for payment of the penalty.
(b-1) If a wage claim is filed later than the date described by
Section 61.051(c), the examiner shall dismiss the wage claim for
lack of jurisdiction.
(c) The commission examiner shall mail notice of the preliminary
wage determination order to each party at that party's last known
address, as reflected by commission records.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
378, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
21, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
Sec. 61.0525. ESTABLISHMENT OF WAGE CLAIM APPEAL TRIBUNALS. (a)
The commission shall establish one or more impartial wage claim
appeal tribunals to hear and decide disputed wage claims if the
commission determines that establishment of those tribunals is
necessary to ensure prompt disposal of wage claims cases on
appeal.
(b) Each wage claim appeal tribunal shall be composed of a
salaried examiner appointed by the commission.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
378, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 61.053. BAD FAITH; ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY. (a) If the
commission examiner, a wage claim appeal tribunal, or the
commission determines that an employer acted in bad faith in not
paying wages as required by this chapter, the examiner, tribunal,
or commission, in addition to ordering the payment of the wages,
may assess an administrative penalty against the employer.
(b) If the commission examiner, a wage claim appeal tribunal, or
the commission determines an employee acted in bad faith in
bringing a wage claim, the examiner, tribunal, or commission may
assess an administrative penalty against the employee.
(c) An administrative penalty assessed under this section may
not exceed the lesser of:
(1) the amount of the wages in question or claimed; or
(2) $1,000.
(d) In determining the amount of an administrative penalty
assessed under this section, the commission examiner, a wage
claim appeal tribunal, or the commission shall consider:
(1) the seriousness of the violation;
(2) the history of previous violations;
(3) the amount necessary to deter a future violation; and
(4) any other appropriate matter, including mitigating
circumstances.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
378, Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 61.054. REQUEST FOR HEARING ON PRELIMINARY ORDER. (a)
Either party may request a hearing before a wage claim appeal
tribunal to appeal a preliminary wage determination order made
under Section 61.052.
(b) The request for hearing must be made in writing not later
than the 21st day after the date the commission examiner mails
the notice of the preliminary wage determination order.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
378, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 61.055. PRELIMINARY ORDER FINAL IF HEARING NOT REQUESTED.
If neither party requests a hearing to appeal a preliminary wage
determination order within the period prescribed by Section
61.054, the order becomes the final order of the commission for
all purposes, and neither party is entitled to judicial review of
the order under this subchapter.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
378, Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 61.056. PAYMENT REQUIRED IF HEARING NOT REQUESTED. (a) An
employer that does not request a hearing within the period
prescribed by Section 61.054 to appeal a preliminary wage
determination order shall pay the amount ordered to the
commission not later than the 21st day after the date the
commission mails notice of the order. The payment must equal the
net amount of outstanding wages after any valid deductions and
must include an itemized list of those deductions.
(b) Payment to the commission constitutes payment to the
employee for all purposes.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 9.14(a), eff. Sept.
1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
378, Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 61.057. NOTICE; TIME FOR HEARING. (a) A notice regarding
an administrative hearing conducted under this subchapter must be
mailed by the wage claim appeal tribunal not later than the 21st
day after the date a request for the hearing is received by the
commission.
(b) As soon as practicable, but not later than the 45th day
after the date a notice is mailed under Subsection (a), the
tribunal shall conduct the hearing.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
378, Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 61.058. HEARING PROCEDURES. (a) A hearing conducted under
this subchapter is subject to the rules and hearings procedures
used by the commission in the determination of a claim for
unemployment compensation benefits.
(b) The hearing is not subject to Chapter 2001, Government Code.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(49), eff.
Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 61.059. CONSIDERATION OF PRELIMINARY WAGE DETERMINATION
ORDER. The wage claim appeal tribunal may modify, affirm, or
rescind a preliminary wage determination order.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
378, Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 61.060. ORDER AFTER HEARING. After a hearing, the wage
claim appeal tribunal shall enter a written order for the payment
of wages that the tribunal determines to be due or for the
payment of any penalty the tribunal assesses.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
378, Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 61.061. NOTICE AND FINALITY OF ORDER. (a) The wage claim
appeal tribunal shall mail to each party to the appeal notice of:
(1) the decision;
(2) the amount of wages subject to the order; and
(3) the amount of any penalty assessed.
(b) The notice shall be mailed to a party's last known address,
as shown by commission records.
(c) The order of the wage claim appeal tribunal becomes final 14
days after the date on which it is mailed unless a further appeal
to the commission is initiated as provided by this subchapter.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
378, Sec. 11, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 61.0611. REMOVAL OR TRANSFER OF CLAIM PENDING BEFORE WAGE
CLAIM APPEAL TRIBUNAL. (a) The commission by order may remove
to itself or transfer to another wage claim appeal tribunal the
proceedings on a wage claim pending before a wage claim appeal
tribunal.
(b) The commission promptly shall mail to the parties to the
affected wage claim a notice of the order under Subsection (a).
(c) A quorum of the commission shall hear a proceeding removed
to the commission under Subsection (a).
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
378, Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 61.0612. COMMISSION REVIEW OF WAGE CLAIM APPEAL TRIBUNAL
ORDER. The commission may:
(1) on its own motion:
(A) affirm, modify, or set aside an order issued under Section
61.061 on the basis of the evidence previously submitted in the
case; or
(B) direct the taking of additional evidence; or
(2) permit any of the parties affected by the order to initiate
a further appeal before the commission.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
378, Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 61.0613. NOTICE OF COMMISSION ACTION. (a) The commission
shall mail to each party to the appeal under Section 61.0612
notice of:
(1) the commission's decision;
(2) the amount of wages subject to the order;
(3) the amount of any penalty assessed; and
(4) the parties' right to judicial review of the order.
(b) The notice shall be mailed to a party's last known address,
as shown by commission records.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
378, Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 61.0614. FINALITY OF COMMISSION ORDER. An order of the
commission becomes final 14 days after the date the order is
mailed unless before that date:
(1) the commission by order reopens the appeal; or
(2) a party to the appeal files a written motion for rehearing.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
378, Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 61.062. JUDICIAL REVIEW. (a) A party who has exhausted
the party's administrative remedies under this chapter, other
than a motion for rehearing, may bring a suit to appeal the
order.
(b) The suit must be filed not later than the 30th day after the
date the final order is mailed.
(c) The commission and any other party to the proceeding before
the commission must be made defendants in the suit.
(d) The suit must be brought in the county of the claimant's
residence. If the claimant is not a resident of this state, the
suit must be brought in the county in this state in which the
employer has its principal place of business.
(e) An appeal under this subchapter is by trial de novo with the
substantial evidence rule being the standard of review in the
manner as applied to an appeal from a final decision under
Subtitle A, Title 4.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 9.14(b), eff. Sept.
1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
378, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 61.063. PAYMENT TO COMMISSION; ESCROW PENDING REVIEW;
WAIVER. (a) Not later than the 30th day after the date a
commission order becomes final, the party required to pay wages
or a penalty shall:
(1) pay the amount to the commission; or
(2) if the party files a petition for judicial review in a court
of competent jurisdiction contesting the final order, send the
amount to the commission for deposit in an interest-bearing
escrow account.
(b) Unless the party files an affidavit of inability to pay with
the clerk of the court within the period specified in Subsection
(a), failure to send the amount within that period constitutes a
waiver of the right to judicial review.
(c) If after judicial review it is determined that some or all
of the wages are not owed or the penalty is reduced or is not
assessed, the commission shall remit the appropriate amount to
the party assessed the wage payment or penalty, plus the interest
accrued on the escrowed amount. Interest under this section shall
be paid for the period beginning on the date the assessed amount
is paid to the commission and ending on the date the amount is
remitted to the party.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 9.14(c), eff. Sept.
1, 1995.
Sec. 61.064. PAYMENT TO EMPLOYEE. Not later than the 30th day
after the date on which a claim is finally adjudicated or
otherwise resolved, the commission shall pay to the claimant
wages collected under this subchapter and any interest earned on
those wages.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 61.065. DEPOSIT OF PENALTY. The commission shall deposit a
penalty collected under this subchapter in the unemployment
compensation special administration fund established under
Subchapter E, Chapter 203.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 61.066. COMMISSION ACTION; ENFORCEMENT OF ORDER. (a) The
commission, in the name of the state and the attorney general,
may:
(1) bring a suit in a district court in Travis County to enforce
a final order from which an appeal under this chapter has not
been taken; or
(2) serve on the defaulting party a notice of assessment stating
the amount due.
(b) A notice of assessment served under this section is prima
facie evidence of the contents of the notice. However, the
defaulting party may show the incorrectness of the notice of
assessment.
(c) The notice shall be served in the manner provided by law for
service of process on a defendant in a civil action in district
court.
(d) A person aggrieved by the determination of the commission as
stated in the notice of assessment may seek judicial review of
the assessment by filing a petition for judicial review in a
Travis County district court not later than the 30th day after
the date on which the notice of assessment is served. A copy of
the petition shall be served in the manner prescribed by law for
service of process on a defendant in a civil action in district
court on:
(1) a member of the commission; or
(2) a person designated by the commission for service of
process.
(e) If the party on whom a notice of assessment is served does
not seek judicial review as provided by this section, the
assessment is final for all purposes. An assessment that is not
contested or that is upheld after judicial review shall be
recorded, enforced, renewed, and otherwise treated as the final
judgment of a district court.
(f) Unless the adverse party prevails in the civil action or the
notice of assessment is reversed by a reviewing court, the
adverse party shall pay all costs of either action, including
attorney's fees, investigation costs, service costs, court costs,
and other applicable costs.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 9.14(d), eff. Sept.
1, 1995.
Sec. 61.067. RECIPROCAL COLLECTION ARRANGEMENTS. The commission
may enter into reciprocal arrangements with appropriate
authorized agencies of the United States or other states for the
collection of wage claims that are final under the laws of the
jurisdictions in which they were filed.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 9.15(a), eff. Sept.
1, 1995.
SUBCHAPTER E. ADMINISTRATIVE LIEN
Sec. 61.081. CREATION AND ATTACHMENT OF LIEN. (a) A final
order of the commission against an employer indebted to the state
for penalties or wages, unless timely appealed to a court, is a
lien on all the property belonging to the employer.
(b) The lien for an unpaid debt attaches at the time the order
of the commission becomes final.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 61.082. ENFORCEMENT OF LIEN. (a) Subchapters A and B,
Chapter 113, Tax Code, govern the enforcement of a lien
established under this subchapter.
(b) In administering and enforcing the lien, the commission has
the duties imposed and the powers conferred on the comptroller
for the enforcement of other liens under Subchapters A and B,
Chapter 113, Tax Code.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 61.0825. PRIORITY OF LIEN. A lien established under this
subchapter is superior to any other lien on the same property,
with the exception of a lien for ad valorem taxes.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 641, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Sec. 61.083. FILING; FEE. (a) A lien under this subchapter may
be recorded in the book entitled "State Tax Liens" kept by the
county clerk as provided by Section 113.004, Tax Code.
(b) The commission shall pay the county clerk of the county in
which a notice of the lien has been filed the usual fee for
filing and recording similar instruments. The fee shall be paid
by warrant drawn by the comptroller. The fee is an amount due to
the commission from the employer.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 61.084. RELEASE OF LIEN. (a) A lien under this subchapter
may be released in the manner provided by Subchapter A, Chapter
113, Tax Code, for a state tax lien.
(b) If the liability secured by the lien is fully paid, the
commission shall mail a release of lien to the employer.
(c) The employer is responsible for filing a release of lien
with the appropriate county clerk and paying the county clerk's
fee for recording the release.
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 61.085. ASSIGNMENT OF LIEN. A lien securing wages due
under this chapter may be assigned to the claimant, at the
claimant's request.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 761, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1995.
SUBCHAPTER F. DELINQUENCY; LEVY
Sec. 61.091. NOTICE OF DELINQUENCY. (a) If, under a final
order, a person is determined to be delinquent in the payment of
wages, penalties, interest, or other amounts due under this
chapter, the commission may notify personally or by mail any
person who:
(1) possesses or controls any of the delinquent person's assets,
including a credit, bank, or savings account or deposit, or other
intangible or personal property; or
(2) owes a debt to the delinquent person.
(b) A notice under this subchapter to a state officer,
department, or agency must be provided before the officer,
department, or agency presents to the comptroller the claim of
the delinquent person.
(c) A notice under this subchapter may be given at any time
after the wages, penalties, interest, or other amounts due under
this chapter become delinquent. The notice must state the amount
of wages, penalties, interest, or other amounts due and owing and
any additional amount that will accrue by operation of law in a
period not to exceed 30 days and, in the case of a credit, bank,
or savings account or deposit, is effective only up to that
amount.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 761, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1,
1995.
Sec. 61.092. DUTIES OF NOTICE RECIPIENT. (a) On receipt of a
notice under this subchapter, the person receiving the notice:
(1) shall advise the commission not later than the 20th day
after the date on which the notice is received of each asset
belonging to the delinquent person that is possessed or
controlled by the person receiving the notice and of each debt
owed by the person receiving the notice to the delinquent person;
and
(2) unless the commission consents to an earlier disposition,
may not transfer or dispose of the asset or debt possessed,
controlled, or owed by the person on the date the person received
the notice within the 60-day period after the date of receipt of
the notice.
(b) A notice under this subchapter that attempts to prohibit the
transfer or disposition of an asset possessed or controlled by a
bank is effective if it is delivered or mailed to the principal
office or any branch office of the bank, including any office of
the bank at which the deposit is carried or the credit or
property is held.
(c) A person who receives a notice under this subchapter and who
violates Subsection (a)(2) is liable to the commission for the
amount of the indebtedness of the delinquent person with respect
to whose obligation the notice was given, to the extent of the
value of the affected asset or debt.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 761, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1,
1995.
Sec. 61.093. LEVY. (a) At any time during the 60-day period
provided by Section 61.092(a)(2), the commission may levy on the
asset or debt by delivery of a notice of levy.
(b) On receipt of the levy notice, the person possessing the
asset or debt shall transfer the asset to the commission or pay
to the commission the amount owed to the delinquent person.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 761, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1,
1995.
Sec. 61.094. NOTICE EFFECT. A notice delivered under this
subchapter is effective:
(1) at the time of delivery against all property, rights to
property, credits, or debts involving the delinquent person that
are not on the date of the notice subject to a preexisting lien,
attachment, garnishment, or execution issued through a judicial
process; and
(2) against all property, rights to property, credits, or debts
involving the delinquent person that come into the possession or
control of the person served with a notice of levy during the
60-day period provided by Section 61.092(a)(2).
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 761, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1,
1995.
Sec. 61.095. DISCHARGE OF LIABILITY. A person acting in
accordance with the terms of the notice issued by the commission
under this subchapter is discharged from any obligation or
liability to the delinquent person with respect to the affected
property, rights to property, credits, and debts of the person
affected by compliance with the notice of freeze or levy.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 761, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1,
1995.