HB331 - Relating to certain presumptions applicable to claims for benefits or compensation for certain medical conditions brought by certain first responders.

      H.B. No. 331         AN ACT   relating to certain presumptions applicable to claims for benefits   or compensation for certain medical conditions brought by certain   first responders.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 607.056, Government Code, is amended to   read as follows:          Sec. 607.056.  ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION OR STROKE. (a) A   firefighter, peace officer, or emergency medical technician who   suffers an acute myocardial infarction or stroke resulting in   disability or death is presumed to have suffered the disability or   death during the course and scope of employment as a firefighter,   peace officer, or emergency medical technician if:                (1)  while on duty, the firefighter, peace officer, or   emergency medical technician:                      (A)  was engaged in a situation that involved   [ nonroutine ] stressful or strenuous physical activity involving   fire suppression, rescue, hazardous material response, emergency   medical services, law enforcement, or other emergency response   activity; or                      (B)  participated in a training exercise that   involved [ nonroutine ] stressful or strenuous physical activity;   and                (2)  the acute myocardial infarction or stroke occurred   not later than eight hours after the end of a shift in which [ while ]   the firefighter, peace officer, or emergency medical technician was   engaging in the activity described under Subdivision (1).          (b)  For purposes of this section, "[ nonroutine ] stressful   or strenuous physical activity" does not include clerical,   administrative, or nonmanual activities.          SECTION 2.  The changes in law made by this Act apply only to   a claim for benefits or compensation brought on or after the   effective date of this Act. A claim for benefits or compensation   brought before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law   in effect on the date the claim was made, and the former law is   continued in effect for that purpose.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives   a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as   provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this   Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this   Act takes effect September 1, 2025.       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.B. No. 331 was passed by the House on April   30, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 140, Nays 0, 2 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.B. No. 331 was passed by the Senate on May 9,   2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate       APPROVED:  _____________________                      Date                           _____________________                    Governor