Relating to protection for certain essential workers and health care practitioners in the private sector who report certain activities or violations of law.

HB 4251 creates new protections in Texas for private-sector essential workers (defined using DHS pandemic guidance) and licensed healthcare practitioners who report workplace safety concerns or law violations. The bill prohibits employers from retaliating - such as through termination, demotion, or pay cuts - against these workers when they report in good faith to law enforcement, regulatory agencies, or supervisors. It specifically covers reports about patient safety, workplace safety, or violations of state/federal law or local ordinances. The law applies only to private employers (excluding state/local government workers) and takes effect September 1, 2025.