Texas Training Requirements
In Texas, sexual harassment training is mandatory for all state employees. The Texas Labor Code (specifically Chapter 21, as amended by Senate Bill 45 and House Bill 21) outlines that all employers must take prompt action against harassment and ensure training is conducted timely.
Training must be completed within 30 days of hire and repeated every 2 years to maintain compliance. Proper documentation of training completion is recommended to protect against liability.
Here’s a high-level view for quick reference:
| Requirement Area |
What You Need to Know |
| Who Must Comply |
All state government employers and employees in Texas |
| Who Must Be Trained |
All employees and supervisors |
| When to Train |
Within 30 days of starting work |
| Training Duration |
1 hour minimum |
| Training Frequency |
Every 2 years thereafter |
| Training Format |
Online, in-person, or hybrid; must emphasize engagement and policy review |
| Recordkeeping |
Strongly recommended to document training dates and participant completions |
Who must be trained in Texas, and when should the training happen?
All state employees must receive training on sexual harassment within 30 days of employment. This ensures employees understand how to recognize, report, and prevent harassment from the very start of their tenure.
How often must training be conducted, and how long should it be?
Texas law requires:
This schedule supports a respectful and harassment-free workplace.
What topics must be included in Texas sexual harassment training?
Training must cover:
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Definition of sexual harassment under Texas and federal law
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Examples of prohibited conduct in the workplace
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Employer and employee responsibilities for preventing harassment
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Reporting and complaint procedures
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Immediate corrective action expectations
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Protections against retaliation
Programs should be interactive and updated periodically to reflect legislative changes.
Are there any training requirements for new hires or supervisors?
Yes:
Supervisor-focused modules are essential to maintaining a proactive compliance strategy.
What are the recordkeeping requirements for Texas employers?
Although not strictly mandated, employers are advised to:
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Maintain training attendance logs
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Archive copies of training materials used
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Keep signed acknowledgments for at least 3 years
Solid recordkeeping strengthens defenses against legal claims and helps demonstrate good-faith compliance.
What law governs sexual harassment training in Texas?
Training requirements are enforced under:
These statutes expand employer obligations and enhance employee rights to a harassment-free workplace.
How can employees file a harassment complaint in Texas?
Employees have several options:
Complaints must be filed within 300 days of the alleged harassment for state or federal review.
Where do I find a sexual harassment training program that complies with my workplace requirements?
Below are expert-developed, state-compliant harassment training courses designed for both public and private sector employers. Before assigning them to your team, be sure to:
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Add your company logo to personalize the experience
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Customize the course to align with your workplace policies and procedures
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Update your internal anti-harassment policies to reflect state-specific laws
Each course is fully editable to help you meet both legal and workplace-specific training standards.
