Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1834

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to participation in the state group benefits program by a member of the Texas National Guard called to protect the border.

Impact

The bill impacts the Government Code, specifically Section 437.212, by adding provisions that allow eligible National Guard members called to state active duty for border protection to participate in the state group benefits program. The measure provides for the designation of these individuals as full-time employees for insurance purposes, which includes state contributions towards their coverage. This change aims to bridge the existing gap in access to essential benefits, particularly health insurance, for these individuals during critical periods of service.

Summary

Senate Bill 1834 focuses on extending participation in the state group benefits program to members of the Texas National Guard who are called to provide border security. This legislation aims to ensure that these service members, who are not otherwise employed full-time or part-time by the state, are eligible for benefits typically available to full-time employees under the state's insurance codes. By doing so, the bill recognizes the contributions of the National Guard during state emergencies and enhances support for those serving in such capacities.

Contention

While the bill is primarily geared towards providing support for Texas National Guard members, it could raise discussions on the broader implications of state military involvement in local and border security matters. Some lawmakers may express concerns about the appropriateness of equating National Guard service in security roles with full-time state employment benefits, which could set a precedent. Additionally, questions about funding for the state group benefits program and the fair allocation of resources for emergency response personnel may also be points of contention as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB90

Relating to benefits for certain members of the Texas military forces and survivors of members of the Texas military forces.

TX SB155

Relating to benefits for certain members of the Texas military forces and survivors of members of the Texas military forces.

TX HB200

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.

TX HB87

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.

TX HB80

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.

TX HB13

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HB20

Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB4863

Relating to contributions to, benefits from, and the administration of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB61

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.