HBA-CCH H.B. 1273 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1273 By: Davis, John Pensions & Investments 3/26/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, a peace officer or fire fighter who is injured in the line of duty receives a disability retirement payment that may not cover all incurred expenses. House Bill 1273 provides a one-time payment of $75,000 to a person who sustains a permanent incapacitating injury in the performance of duty as a peace officer or fire fighter. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 1273 amends the Government Code to create the peace officer and fire fighter supplemental payment account that is an account in the general revenue fund to provide a one-time payment to a peace officer or fire fighter who is permanently disabled in the line of duty. The bill provides that the account consists of gifts, grants, and other revenue required by law to be credited to the account. H.B. 1273 entitles a peace officer or fire fighter employed by the state or a local governmental entity in Texas to a onetime payment of $75,000 if the person provides proof to the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) that the person suffered a total disability resulting in permanent incapacity for work during the performance of duties as a peace officer or fire fighter and any other information or evidence required by ERS. The bill requires ERS to notify the comptroller of public accounts of ERS's determination that a claim is valid and justifies payment. The comptroller is then required to issue a warrant to or on behalf of the claimant in the proper amount from the fund. The payment is payable as soon as possible after ERS notifies the comptroller. EFFECTIVE DATE On passage, or if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2001.