The bill, H.B. No. 4419, amends the Code of Criminal Procedure and various sections of the Government Code to formally recognize peace officers commissioned by the Health and Human Services Commission's office of inspector general as peace officers under Texas law. Specifically, it adds a new category to Article 2A.001, which now includes "an officer commissioned and employed by the Health and Human Services Commission's office of inspector general." Additionally, the bill ensures that these officers are compensated according to Schedule C of the position classification salary schedule as prescribed by the General Appropriations Act.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the definition of "state employee" to include commissioned officers from the Health and Human Services Commission's office of inspector general, thereby aligning their status with other law enforcement agencies. It also updates provisions related to the classification of these officers within the state's position classification plan, ensuring they are recognized and compensated appropriately. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and the classification adjustments will apply to the state fiscal biennium beginning September 1, 2025, with a sunset provision set for September 1, 2027.

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