S.B. No. 1710 proposes the establishment of the School Violence Victims' Compensation Fund, aimed at providing financial assistance to victims of gun violence in Texas public schools. The bill introduces a new subchapter, Subchapter U, to Chapter 403 of the Government Code, which includes the "School Violence Victims' Compensation Act." It outlines the legislative intent to support victims and their families, recognizing the public calamity posed by gun violence in schools. The bill defines key terms such as "claimant," "victim," "immediate family member," and "household member," and specifies the eligibility criteria for compensation.

The bill details the types of assistance available, including cash payments of up to $1,000,000 for deceased victims, $500,000 for seriously injured victims, and varying amounts for those suffering from mental or emotional disabilities. It mandates that applications for compensation be submitted in writing and verified, with the Comptroller responsible for reviewing and processing these applications. The compensation provided under this act is cumulative of other legal remedies, and the bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

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