| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
Relating to liability, payment, and death benefits for certain workers’ compensation claims.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
SB 2551 would make several amendments to the Presumptive Act, under which a peace officer, fire fighter, or emergency medical responder exposed to a contagious disease is entitled to reimbursement from the employing governmental entity for reasonable medical expenses if the employee can prove that exposure to the disease occurred on the job. This bill would clarify which specific cancers would be covered under the Act, and would allow a first responder to request attorney's fees if they are sued by a city and prevail on a workers compensation claim.
This bill also adds certain notice requirements by insurance carriers, and provides for the establishment of a self-insurance account for the payment of death benefits for a compensable injury to a firefighter or emergency medical technician. This account would be allowed to accumulate assets in an amount that the pool or political subdivision determines is necessary in order to pay the death benefits.
Texas Action is neutral on SB 2551 as it does not effect our liberty principles.