SRC-JEC S.B. 1257 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1257 77R4698 YDB-DBy: Gallegos Intergovernmental Relations 4/11/2001 As Filed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, a peace officer or fire fighter who is injured in the line of duty receives a disability retirement benefit that may not cover all the necessary expenses. As proposed, S.B. 1257 creates a benefit fund to make a one-time payment to peace officers and fire fighters who are injured in the line of duty to help defray health care expenses. 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. 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. Provides that the peace officer and fire fighter supplemental payment account is an account in the general revenue fund that may be appropriated only for the purposes of this subchapter. Provides that the account consists of gifts, grants, and other revenue required by law to be credited to the account. Sec. 614.083. ELIGIBILITY FOR PAYMENT. Entitles a peace officer or fire fighter employed by the state or a local governmental entity in this state who sustains an injury in the performance of the person's duties as a peace officer or fire fighter and who presents evidence satisfactory to the board of trustees of the Employee Retirement System of Texas (board) that the person's condition is a total disability resulting in permanent incapacity for work to a one-time payment of $75,000 from funds appropriated for that purpose. Sec. 614.084. PROOF OF CLAIM. Requires a peace officer or fire fighter to furnish to the board certain information and evidence. 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, on receipt of the notice, to issue a warrant to or in behalf of the claimant in the proper amount from funds appropriated for that purpose. Provides that a payment under this subchapter to or in behalf of a peace officer or fire fighter is payable as soon as possible after the board notifies the comptroller. SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.