Texas House Bill HB3106

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/22/09

Caption

Relating to the amount of hazardous duty pay for certain employees of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Impact

The bill's implications extend to the financial remuneration of state employees, notably correctional officers, who work under challenging circumstances. By defining hazardous duty pay parameters, the legislation seeks to provide better incentives and recognition for these employees serviced over longer periods. Furthermore, it could impact recruitment and retention strategies within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, as competitive pay is vital for attracting capable candidates to critical roles.

Summary

House Bill 3106 aims to amend the existing legislation regarding hazardous duty pay for full-time state employees working within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The bill proposes a specific calculation for hazardous duty pay, establishing a cap at $300 per month. Additionally, the pay would be contingent on the length of service accrued by the employee, calculated at $12 for each 12-month period of service. This structured approach intends to clarify compensation for employees facing potentially dangerous or hazardous working conditions.

Contention

While the bill appears to serve as a necessary adjustment to acknowledge the risks that correctional officers face, there may be contention surrounding the adequacy of the proposed pay structure. Questions could be raised regarding whether a maximum limit of $300 would sufficiently compensate all employees for their service and encounter with danger. Stakeholders may advocate for a higher cap or additional considerations for employees with more extended periods of service, indicating a potential debate over fair compensation in the face of hazardous duties.