SBW H.B. 2029 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


PENSIONS & INVESTMENTS
H.B. 2029
By: Turner, Bob
4-15-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

When National Guard and State Guard forces are called to active duty with
the state, they are not covered under federal medical or disability
programs in the event of an injury. If a National Guard soldier or airman
is injured on state active duty, the state pays the medical benefits. If
the individual is so injured he or she is no longer able to serve, the
person is discharged. Federal military disability benefits are not
available to the person, however, because the injury occurred while on
state duty.   

PURPOSE

The purpose of this legislation is to provide to National Guard or State
Guard members who are injured while on active duty and who are also state
employees, the same occupational disability benefits as other state
employees.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 814.204, Government Code, by adding Subsection
(e). 

(e) is amended by the addition of the language to allow for a member of
the Texas National Guard or the Texas State Guard, who is also a member of
ERS, to be eligible for an occupational disability retirement if they are
injured on active duty with the national or state guard, causing discharge
due to injury, and cease state employment. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date is September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3.  Emergency Clause.