Texas Senate Bill SB877

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to establishing the Citizens' Star of Texas Award.

Impact

With the passage of SB877, eligible private citizens who sustain serious injuries or lose their lives while assisting public safety personnel will receive formal recognition at the state level. The legislation not only provides a framework for issuing the award but also establishes guidelines for the related advisory committees, which will recommend recipients and design the award itself. This serves to bolster community support for emergency services and enhance public awareness regarding the risks faced by both citizens and emergency responders in crisis situations.

Summary

SB877 is a legislative measure aimed at establishing the Citizens' Star of Texas Award, a recognition for private citizens who intervene in emergency situations and assist law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical responders. This bill defines the criteria under which this award can be granted, specifically targeting citizens who are injured or killed in the course of aiding these public safety officials. The intent of this bill is to honor and recognize the courage demonstrated by individuals who put themselves in harm's way to support emergency services during critical incidents.

Contention

While there don't appear to be major points of contention regarding SB877 in the voting history, there might be discussions in the broader context about the implications of such awards on community engagement and public recognition of citizen bravery. Proponents likely argue that the award helps to foster a spirit of cooperation and respect between the public and emergency services, while critics might raise concerns about the criteria for who deserves recognition and any potential administrative burdens associated with awarding such honors.