Bill Would End 'Go Bare' Practice for Day Labor

Day laborers could be entitled to workers' compensation benefits from a day laborer employer under legislation filed by Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin. Texas is the only state in the nation without a mandatory workers' compensation system for employers, allowing some employers to opt out of coverage in a scenario known as "going bare." Some nonsubscribers to the workers' compensation system offer some coverage to employees through alternative plans. Organized labor has criticized the non-coverage option, and has vowed to push again this year for a mandatory coverage law. House Bill 456 ...