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TexasHB 130689th Legislature Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to certain claims for benefits or compensation by a death investigation professional.

Sponsored By: Janis Holt, Brooks Landgraf, Kevin Sparks (Republican)

Signed by Governor

City Government--Employees/OfficersCounty Government--Employees/OfficersHealth--Other Diseases & Medical ConditionsInsurance--Health & AccidentPolitical SubdivisionsAUTOPSIESIMMUNIZATIONSJUSTICE OF THE PEACEHEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Faster injury benefits for death investigation workers

Beginning September 1, 2025, counties, insurers, and Texas’ workers’ compensation division must prioritize medical-benefit claims for serious work injuries. This covers justices of the peace, death investigators employed under Article 49.23, and medical examiners and office employees under Article 49.25. The injury must meet the legal definition of serious bodily injury and occur within the course and scope of employment. Hearings and appeals over denied medical benefits also get priority after workers notify the division and independent review organization. For claims with insurer notice under Labor Code Section 409.021(a-3), the commissioner must consider expedited benefits when deciding insurer penalties. This does not guarantee a penalty. These changes cover claims pending on or filed on or after September 1, 2025. Earlier claims no longer pending that day follow prior law.

Survivor benefits now cover death investigation workers

Beginning September 1, 2025, Texas adds death investigation professionals to the workers whose eligible survivors can receive Chapter 615 benefits. This covers justices of the peace, death investigators employed under Article 49.23, and medical examiners and office employees under Article 49.25. Survivors must qualify under Chapter 615; this change does not set a benefit amount. The change covers claims pending on or filed on or after September 1, 2025. Earlier claims no longer pending that day follow prior law.

Preventive care help for death investigation workers

Beginning September 1, 2025, Texas death investigation professionals get added preventive care rights. This covers justices of the peace, death investigators employed under Article 49.23, and medical examiners and office employees under Article 49.25. The county they serve must repay reasonable preventive treatment costs after disease exposure while conducting or helping with an inquest. The exposure must require preventive treatment, and the disease cannot be an “ordinary disease of life” under workers’ compensation law. For covered exposure, workers can choose their doctor for preventive treatment. They also have a right to available immunizations against diseases they may face during inquest work; no payer is specified. These changes cover claims pending on or filed on or after September 1, 2025. Earlier claims no longer pending that day follow prior law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Janis Holt

    House

  • Brooks Landgraf

    House

  • Kevin Sparks

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • César Blanco

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 268 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 5/10/2025

Record vote

Yes: 130 • No: 0

House vote • 5/9/2025

Record vote

Yes: 125 • No: 0

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Criminal Justice

Yes: 6 • No: 0

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective on 9/1/25

    6/20/2025House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    6/20/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    5/31/2025House

  4. Signed in the Senate

    5/31/2025Senate

  5. Signed in the House

    5/30/2025House

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/30/2025House

  7. Senate passage reported

    5/29/2025House

  8. Record vote

    5/28/2025Senate

  9. Passed

    5/28/2025Senate

  10. Read 3rd time

    5/28/2025Senate

  11. Record vote

    5/28/2025Senate

  12. Three day rule suspended

    5/28/2025Senate

  13. Vote recorded in Journal

    5/28/2025Senate

  14. Read 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading

    5/28/2025Senate

  15. Laid before the Senate

    5/28/2025Senate

  16. Placed on local & uncontested calendar

    5/28/2025Senate

  17. Placed on intent calendar

    5/27/2025Senate

  18. Co-sponsor authorized

    5/26/2025Senate

  19. Not again placed on intent calendar

    5/25/2025Senate

  20. Placed on intent calendar

    5/23/2025Senate

  21. Committee report printed and distributed

    5/21/2025Senate

  22. Recommended for local & uncontested calendar

    5/21/2025Senate

  23. Reported favorably w/o amendments

    5/21/2025Senate

  24. Vote taken in committee

    5/20/2025Senate

  25. Considered in public hearing

    5/20/2025Senate

Bill Text

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