Texas Senate Bill SB1410

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to compensation received by state employees working in certain high injury risk positions.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB1410 would have significant implications for state law regarding employee compensation for high injury risk positions. By expanding the definition of compensation to include various pay types such as longevity pay and high injury risk pay, there may be increased financial benefits for state employees. This can lead to a more robust recruitment and retention strategy for positions that are typically difficult to fill due to the inherent risks involved. Moreover, these changes could necessitate budget reallocations within state agencies to accommodate the new compensation structures.

Summary

SB1410 focuses on adjusting the compensation framework for state employees who work in high injury risk positions, which includes law enforcement and correctional staff. The bill proposes specific amendments to sections of the Government Code and the Education Code to redefine what constitutes 'compensation.' Key elements defined include base salary, longevity pay, and high injury risk pay, indicating a recognition of the unique challenges faced by employees in these roles. This reflects an effort to ensure that state employees are fairly compensated for their duties, particularly those that involve higher risks.

Contention

While there is general support for improved compensation for state employees in high-risk roles, discussions may surround the adequacy of funding these changes. Some legislators may express concerns about the impact on the state budget, questioning whether the proposed changes can be accommodated without detriment to other essential services. Additionally, there might be debates regarding which positions are deemed high injury risk and eligible for this type of compensation, potentially leading to a call for stricter definitions and criteria within the bill.