SRC-JBJ S.B. 1785 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1785 76R6951 BDH-DBy: Gallegos State Affairs 4/7/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, the state does not maintain a benefit fund for certain disabled peace offices or fire fighters. S.B. 1785 establishes a fund that offers a one-time payment of $75,000 to certain permanently incapacitated peace officers and fire fighters. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1785 establishes a supplemental fund for certain disabled peace offices and fire fighters. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 614, Government Code, by adding Subchapter F, as follows: SUBCHAPTER F. SUPPLEMENTAL ONE-TIME PAYMENT FOR CERTAIN DISABLED PEACE OFFICERS AND FIRE FIGHTERS Sec. 614.081. DEFINITIONS. Defines "board," "fire fighter," and "peace officer." Sec. 614.082. PEACE OFFICER AND FIRE FIGHTER SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT ACCOUNT. Establishes that the peace office and fire fighter supplemental payment account (supplemental account) is an account in the general revenue fund. Provides that the supplemental account consists of certain revenues. Sec. 614.083. ELIGIBILITY FOR PAYMENT. Entitles certain person, including a peace office and a fire fighter, to a one-time payment of $75,000 from the funds, if the persons are permanently incapacitated for work. Sec. 614.084. PROOF OF CLAIM. Authorizes a peace office or fire fights to furnish the board of trustees of the Employees Retirement System of Texas (board) certain evidence for a claim. Sec. 614.085. AWARD OF PAYMENT. Requires the board to notify the comptroller of the board's determination that a claim under this subchapter is valid and justifies payment. Requires the comptroller to issue a warrant to the claimant from the fund. Payment to a peace officer or fire fighter is payable as soon as possible after the board notifies the comptroller. SECTION 2.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.