Bill Caption

Relating to the provision of state death benefits to peace officers employed by certain private institutions of higher education located in this state.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated

Bill Analysis

HB 1526 amends the Government Code to expand the applicability of financial assistance administered by the Employees Retirement System of Texas for survivors of certain law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and other public officers and employees who are killed in the line of duty. This bill would make survivors of an individual employed as a peace officer by a private institution of higher education also eligible for financial assistance through the Employees Retirement System of Texas. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

The peace officers included in this bill are actual TCOLE certified peace officers. They often respond to critical incidents outside of the university when called upon in emergencies acting just as any licensed peace officer would. For this reason it makes sense that if they are killed in the line of duty they should be eligible for the same benefits as other peace officers who give their lives during their service to the public. However, ERS may not be the best place to provide death benefits out of because the officers this legislation affects are not part of that system. For this reason we are neutral on this bill.