Relating to providing financial assistance to certain survivors of an inmate who died as a result of a traffic accident that occurred while the inmate was being transported by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or a person under contract with the department.
If enacted, HB3798 would amend the Government Code by adding a new section that allows for payment under Chapter 615 for those survivors affected by the deaths of inmates under the conditions outlined in the bill. Specifically, this will only apply to deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2015. Any incidents occurring prior to this date would be governed by the laws in place at that time. This differentiates the treatment of such cases based on the timeline of the deaths, ensuring that survivors receive the benefits intended under this new provision.
House Bill 3798 aims to provide financial assistance to eligible survivors of inmates who die as a result of a traffic accident while being transported by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) or a contracted entity. The bill specifies that survivors include the spouse, children, or parents of the deceased inmate, depending on the level of surviving family members. This legislation is intended to address the issue of compensation for families affected by such tragic events, acknowledging the vulnerabilities faced by these survivors.
While the bill seeks to provide compassionate support to families, there could be concerns regarding the sufficiency and scope of the assistance provided. Some legislators may question the adequacy of the financial support in relation to the trauma experienced by these families. Furthermore, discussions might arise regarding the broader implications this bill may have on the state budget and resources allocated for such assistance, as well as any potential administrative burdens on the TDCJ in processing claims from survivors.