The bill, H.B. No. 2467, amends various sections of the Government Code to enhance the compensation and benefits for peace officers commissioned by the state fire marshal. It introduces new provisions that allow the state fire marshal to commission peace officers to act as fire and arson investigators and perform other law enforcement duties. Additionally, it mandates that these commissioned officers be compensated according to Schedule C of the position classification salary schedule as prescribed by the General Appropriations Act. The bill also expands the definition of "state employee" to include peace officers commissioned by the state fire marshal, thereby ensuring they receive the same recognition and benefits as other law enforcement officers.

Furthermore, the bill classifies the position of commissioned peace officer employed as an investigator by the Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal's Office as a Schedule C position, effective from the state fiscal biennium beginning September 1, 2025. This classification change is set to expire on September 1, 2027. The bill's provisions apply only to injuries occurring on or after its effective date, which is also September 1, 2025. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the status and compensation of peace officers under the state fire marshal's jurisdiction.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 417.006, Government Code 659.301, Government Code 661.918 (Government Code 661, Government Code 659, Government Code 417)