H.B. No. 1306 amends the Government Code to enhance the benefits and protections for death investigation professionals, including justices of the peace, death investigators, and medical examiners. The bill introduces definitions for "death investigation professional" and "inquest," and establishes that these professionals are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable medical expenses incurred due to exposure to contagious diseases while performing their duties. It specifies that the governmental entity employing a public safety employee is responsible for these reimbursements, while counties are responsible for death investigation professionals. Additionally, the bill allows these professionals to receive preventative immunizations for diseases they may encounter during inquests.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for expedited medical benefits for death investigation professionals who sustain serious bodily injuries in the course of their employment. It mandates that claims for medical benefits be prioritized and that any contested cases regarding these claims be accelerated. The changes in law apply to claims pending or filed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Overall, H.B. No. 1306 aims to provide better support and protection for professionals involved in death investigations in Texas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 607.001, Government Code 607.004, Government Code 615.003, Labor Code 504.055 (Government Code 607, Labor Code 504, Government Code 615)
House Committee Report: Government Code 607.001, Government Code 607.004, Government Code 615.003, Labor Code 504.055 (Government Code 607, Labor Code 504, Government Code 615)
Engrossed: Government Code 607.001, Government Code 607.004, Government Code 615.003 (Government Code 607, Labor Code 504, Government Code 615)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 607.001, Government Code 607.004, Government Code 615.003 (Government Code 607, Labor Code 504, Government Code 615)
Enrolled: Government Code 607.001, Government Code 607.004, Government Code 615.003 (Government Code 607, Labor Code 504, Government Code 615)