Honorable Kelly Hancock, Chair, Senate Committee on Business & Commerce
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2143 by Turner, John (Relating to the eligibility of a first responder for workers' compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Labor Code relating to the eligibility of a first responder for workers' compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder. The bill would add to the diagnosis that post-traumatic stress disorder is caused by one or more events occurring in the course and scope of the first responder's employment as a compensable injury for peace officers and firefighters.
Based on the analysis of the Texas Department of Insurance, State Office of Risk Management, and Commission on Fire Protection, this analysis assumes that the duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.
The Commission on Law Enforcement cannot estimate the number of employees who might need treatment as a result of the bill.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2019.
Local Government Impact
The Texas Association of Counties anticipates a significant fiscal impact to the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool. However, the bill is not expected to have a significant fiscal impact to counties.
Source Agencies:
454 Department of Insurance, 479 State Office of Risk Management, 407 Commission on Law Enforcement, 411 Commission on Fire Protection