Texas House Bill HB1492

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to benefits for peace officers who suffer from certain diseases or illnesses.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1492 is expected to broaden the scope of benefits for peace officers by including stipulations for various diseases that statistically correlate with their employment. This is likely to impact state laws regarding worker's compensation and occupational health, aligning the standards for peace officers with those in place for firefighters. A significant aspect of this bill is the establishment of presumptions related to work-related diseases, which will facilitate easier access to claims for compensation based on their occupation.

Summary

House Bill 1492 addresses benefits for peace officers suffering from specific diseases or illnesses, amending various sections of the Government Code. The primary aim of the bill is to enhance the protections and benefits available to peace officers, similar to existing provisions for other emergency workers like firefighters and emergency medical technicians. By recognizing the occupational risks associated with peace officers' duties, the bill seeks to ensure that they have access to necessary health benefits and compensations for work-related health issues.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1492 may include concerns about the adequacy of the amendments and the potential for increased costs associated with expanded benefits. Some opponents might argue that the bill could lead to unfounded claims and strain the state's compensation systems. Additionally, discussions could arise on the definition of 'peace officer' and whether it adequately includes all individuals serving in these capacities under governmental entities, which could affect the effectiveness of the bill.