Bill > SB1981

This bill amends several sections of the Texas Government Code to provide additional recognition and compensation for peace officers commissioned by the state fire marshal. The bill clarifies that the state fire marshal may commission peace officers to act as fire and arson investigators and perform law enforcement duties, and explicitly states that the commissioner must ensure these officers are compensated according to Schedule C of the position classification salary schedule in the General Appropriations Act. The legislation also adds state fire marshal peace officers to the definition of "state employee" in existing statutes, which likely provides them with certain employment benefits and protections. Additionally, the bill includes a provision requiring the state auditor's classification officer to classify commissioned peace officers in the Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal's Office as Schedule C positions, with this classification taking effect from September 1, 2025, and expiring on September 1, 2027. The changes aim to provide clearer guidelines and potentially improved compensation for these specialized law enforcement professionals within the state fire marshal's office.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1981