Relating to initial claims under the unemployment compensation system.

HB 3699 modifies how "last work" is defined for initial unemployment compensation claims in Texas. It specifies that "last work" refers to either the last employer the claimant actually worked for (if they worked at least 30 hours that week) or the employer defined under Texas law (or another state's law), unless federal or state law provides otherwise. This change applies only to claims filed on or after January 1, 2026, with prior claims governed by existing law. The bill directly affects Texas residents filing for unemployment benefits for the first time. It clarifies eligibility criteria without altering benefit amounts or duration.