BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                           H.B. 1164

                                                                                                                                         By: Gallego

                                                                                                                                     Transportation

                                                                                                       Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Following the attacks of 9-11-01, the 78th Texas Legislature established the Star of Texas Award through HB 1937 (Gallego) to honor the sacrifice made by peace officers, firefighters, and emergency first responders who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.  HB 1164 is a natural continuation of this important recognition.  HB 1164 provides that the Star of Texas Award shall be awarded to a federal law enforcement officer or special agent who is seriously injured while performing duties in this state to assist a state or local law enforcement agency. If the officer or agent is killed, their next of kin shall be awarded the Star of Texas. These public servants make sacrifices on a daily basis to keep our communities safe.  They routinely put themselves in harms way.  It is important for the Legislature to recognize and honor their selfless service.

 

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.   

 

ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1 - Amends Section 3106.002(a) of the Government Code by adding that the Star of Texas Award shall be awarded to each federal law enforcement officers or special agents who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty while performing duties in this state to assist a state or local law enforcement agency.  Also, if the officer or agent is killed, the surviving next of kin may receive the Star of Texas award in their absence.  Clarifying that a federal law enforcement officer or special agent who is injured in the line of duty and the surviving kin of that officer who sustains a fatal injury in the line of duty shall receive the Peace Officer’s Star of Texas Award. 

 

SECTION 2 - Amends Section  3106.007 of the Government Code, by adding that federal law enforcement officers or special agents who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty while performing duties in this state to assist a state or local law enforcement agency may be recommended for the Star of Texas Award. 

 

SECTION 3 - States that this Act will take effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house. If the Act does not receive the necessary vote, then the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.

 

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.