HB 1609 proposes the addition of Chapter 24 to Subtitle A, Title 2 of the Texas Labor Code. This chapter prohibits employers with 20 or more employees from discriminating against volunteer emergency responders due to absences or tardiness caused by their response to emergencies. Employees can take up to 14 days of unpaid leave per year for emergency response activities unless granted additional leave by the employer. The bill defines "volunteer emergency responders" to include volunteer firefighters and emergency medical service volunteers.