H.B. No. 3626 amends the Government Code to include justices of the peace in various state benefits and awards, as well as their membership on the First Responder Advisory Council. Specifically, the bill adds a justice of the peace as a member of the council and introduces the "Star of Texas Award for Justices of the Peace," which will be awarded to justices who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. The advisory committee for this award will consist of three current or retired justices of the peace appointed by the governor.

Additionally, the bill expands the applicability of certain survivor benefits to include justices of the peace, ensuring that their families are eligible for support in the event of a death in the line of duty. The changes made by this Act will only apply to deaths occurring on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, while previous laws will govern any incidents that occurred before this date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 421.041, Government Code 615.003, Government Code 3106.001 (Government Code 615, Government Code 421, Government Code 3106)
House Committee Report: Government Code 421.041, Government Code 615.003 (Government Code 615, Government Code 421, Government Code 3106)