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.