Texas House Bill HB3960

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/7/09

Caption

Relating to workers' compensation insurance coverage for certain travel by emergency service organization employees and volunteer members.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB3960 would amend existing provisions in the Labor Code to explicitly include certain travel activities as part of 'course and scope of employment' for emergency service members. This could potentially lead to increased safety and security for those who respond to emergencies, fostering greater participation among volunteers and ensuring that they receive compensation for injuries suffered while traveling to or from these incidents. The implications extend to a broader acknowledgment of the risks faced by emergency personnel in fulfilling their roles.

Summary

House Bill 3960 seeks to enhance the workers' compensation coverage for employees and volunteers of emergency service organizations, specifically addressing the circumstances under which travel related to emergency responses is covered. The bill aims to clarify that travel undertaken by emergency service personnel after being notified of an incident falls within the scope of employment. This provision ensures that these individuals are protected under workers' compensation while performing their duties, particularly during urgent situations.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at improving conditions for emergency service workers, there may be debates regarding the adequacy of coverage and the definition of employment-related travel. Stakeholders might express concerns about potential liabilities for organizations if more incidents are deemed as falling under the workers' compensation umbrella, potentially raising questions about funding and operational safety measures. Therefore, the implementation of HB3960 may lead to discussions on balancing the needs of emergency services with liability concerns for the state and local agencies.