Bill > HB598

This bill expands the list of individuals whose survivors are eligible for financial assistance under Texas law by adding members of the Texas military forces who are on state active duty. Specifically, the bill amends Section 615.003 of the Government Code to include a new category (18) for military personnel on state active duty, alongside existing categories that include peace officers, probation officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other public service workers. The bill clarifies that the new provision applies only to deaths occurring on or after the effective date (September 1, 2025), meaning that for deaths before this date, the previous eligibility rules will still apply. The change ensures that families of Texas military forces members who die while on state active duty will be eligible for the same type of financial assistance currently provided to survivors of other public service workers. This modification recognizes the potential risks and sacrifices of Texas military personnel serving in state-activated roles and provides additional support to their families in the event of a line-of-duty death.

Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB598