SRC-JEC H.B. 522 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 522
77R3198 YDB-DBy: Tillery (Sponsor Unknown)
Intergovernmental Relations
5/11/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, a permanently disabled officer who was injured in the
line of duty as a result of another person's criminally injurious conduct
is eligible for benefits through a local disability plan. However, benefits
received under such plans may not make up for the total amount of lost
income or provide for continuing medical expenses.  H.B. 522 allows certain
officers who have been permanently disabled through criminally injurious
conduct to have access to the Crime Victim's Compensation Fund through the
Office of the Attorney General.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a
state officer, institution, or agency.  

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Provides that this Act shall be known as the Bill Biles Law.

SECTION 2.  Amends Chapter 56B, Code of Criminal Procedure, by adding
Section 56.375, as follows: 

Sec. 56.375.  PAYMENTS FOR CERTAIN DISABLED PEACE OFFICERS.  Defines "peace
officer."  Provides that Article 56.37 does not apply to a peace officer
injured after August 31, 1989, and before September 2, 2001, as a result of
the criminally injurious conduct of another person while the officer is
performing duties as a peace officer.  Authorizes those peace officers to
file an application under this subchapter not later than September 1, 2002,
if they otherwise meet the requirements of this subchapter.  Provides that
this section expires September 2, 2002. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date: September 1, 2001.