Tex. Fam. Code § 158.209

**Tex. Fam. Code § 158.209. EMPLOYER'S PENALTY FOR DISCRIMINATORY HIRING OR DISCHARGE.** (a) An employer may not use an order or writ of withholding as grounds in whole or part for the termination of employment or for any other disciplinary action against an employee. (b) An employer may not refuse to hire an employee because of an order or writ of withholding. (c) If an employer intentionally discharges an employee in violation of this section, the employer continues to be liable to the employee for current wages and other benefits and for reasonable and necessary attorney's fees, court costs, and expenses incurred in enforcing the employee's rights as provided in this section. The court may order the fees, costs, expenses, and any postjudgment interest to be paid directly to the attorney, who may enforce the order in the attorney's own name by any means available for the enforcement of a judgment for debt. (d) An action under this section may be brought by the employee, a friend of the court, the domestic relations office, or the Title IV-D agency. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 911, Sec. 48, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by: Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 593 (H.B. 2524), Sec. 42, eff. September 1, 2025.