Texas Senate Bill SB1180

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to financial assistance paid to the survivors of certain law enforcement officers and employees killed in the line of duty.

Impact

The bill modifies Section 615.121(a) of the Government Code, ensuring that compensation is available regardless of when the qualifying incident occurred. This legislative change could set a precedent for how the state supports families of law enforcement personnel in the future and signifies a commitment to honoring their sacrifices. Additionally, the bill establishes a threshold for minimum monthly annuity payments, which caters to those who may not have sufficient financial resources after the loss of their spouse.

Summary

SB1180 is a legislative proposal in Texas aimed at providing financial assistance to the surviving spouses of certain law enforcement officers and employees killed in the line of duty. The bill outlines specific types of assistance that the state would provide, including funeral expenses and monthly payments based on a computation of annuity payments that the deceased would have received if they had retired. This measure seeks to support families who have suffered devastating losses due to the hazardous nature of their loved ones' professions.

Contention

While the bill appears to offer necessary support, there may be discussions surrounding the adequacy of proposed compensation levels and the eligibility criteria for assistance. Some stakeholders may argue that the benefits need to be enhanced or expanded to cover a wider range of public safety professionals, prompting a debate over the definition of 'law enforcement officers' and the scope of who deserves this aid. The bill thus presents a focal point for discussions on public safety funding and the state's responsibility towards its protective service members.