Bill > HB4534

This bill adds a new section to the Texas Government Code that allows the governing bodies of public retirement systems to provide a lump-sum death benefit for public safety officers (defined as full-time paid firefighters or peace officers) who die as a direct result of a personal injury sustained while performing their employment duties. The death benefit would be up to $1,000,000 and would be paid first to the deceased officer's surviving spouse, then to surviving children, and if no spouse or children exist, to the officer's estate. If multiple children survive, the benefit would be split equally among them. The governing body must ensure through consultation with an actuary that providing this benefit would not threaten the financial stability of the retirement system, and they are prohibited from paying the benefit if it would compromise the system's actuarial soundness. If a system does not have an actuary, they may contract with one to make this determination. The bill also requires that any new benefit plan be revised to maintain its qualified status under federal tax law. The provisions would apply only to deaths occurring on or after the bill's effective date, which is immediate if it receives a two-thirds vote in the legislature, or September 1, 2025, if it does not.

Labor and Employment

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4534