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 MEMBER NEWSIn Episode 37, host Scott Houston — and guest TML General Counsel Bill Longley — explain H.B. 471 (effective September 1, 2023) and TML Risk Pool coverage designed to assist Members with compliance costs.
The bill enacted a new state law (Local Government Code Chapter 177A) that requires a city (and any other political subdivision) to provide a firefighter, police officer, or emergency medical services employee a leave of absence for an illness or injury related to their line of duty. The leave is with “full pay” for a period “commensurate with the nature of the line of duty illness or injury,” up to at least one year. The complex bill also requires a city to provide additional benefits, including a light duty return to work option. The benefit required by the bill appears to be offset by indemnity benefits provided by the city’s workers’ compensation benefits. It presumably requires only that the city make up the differential or “gap” between workers’ compensation benefits and the first responders’ “full pay.” Beginning October 1, 2024, the TML Risk Pool will provide a line of coverage that can assist Members with some of the costs to offset the pay gap. Please reach out to your Risk Management Advisor for more information. 
UPCOMING EVENTSPresented by 1st Responder Conferences in Partnership with First HELP and ICISF, Inc. and co-hosted by the Cypress Creek Fire Department, this training is for current and retired first responders, police, fire, military/veterans, corrections, dispatchers, chaplains, spouses, professional staff, clinicians, and all who work in the public safety field. This multi-faceted two-day seminar and networking event is designed to improve the mental health and wellness of first responders by discussing the real issues that first responders and their families are currently facing. Our conference will provide awareness, resources, and action items to combat PTSD/PTSI, depression, suicide, addiction, stress, and overall mental health.
Event Details
Monday, October 21 | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday, October 22 | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Wednesday, October 23 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Event Details
Monday, November 11 | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday, November 12 | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Wednesday, November 13 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Texas Fire Chiefs Workshop is a comprehensive networking opportunity for current Fire Chiefs (Head of Department). Earn the Additional 20 Hours Required by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection with your peers in one event!
Post Traumatic Purpose is a transformative mental health initiative that aims to foster awareness among Military Personnel, Veterans, First Responders, Jailers, Dispatchers, Health Care workers, and their families. This program emphasizes the importance of transparency and relatability in addressing the challenges faced by these communities. Unlike traditional wellness training, Post Traumatic Purpose is an engaging, emotionally charged, and authentic experience designed to facilitate positive growth at the individual, professional, and family level. By encouraging ownership, acceptance, humor, and motivation, participants are empowered to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
The Texas Department of Public Safety cordially invites you to attend the Texas Targeted Violence Prevention and Behavioral Threat Assessment Conference, taking place from January 13 to 15, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. The conference is dedicated to mitigating the risk of targeted violence and terrorism by enhancing awareness of pre-attack indicators, promoting best practices in threat assessment and management, and highlighting the critical role of community engagement in redirecting individuals from the pathway to violence. We encourage you to share this invitation with relevant multidisciplinary stakeholders within your state, including mental health professionals, law enforcement agencies, representatives from schools, colleges, and universities, judicial authorities, and community service organizations at the local, state, tribal, and federal levels. For further information and registration, please visit, https://cvent.me/ql83nV Download the report HERE. 
INDUSTRY NEWSNFPA (9/30/2024)
The National Fire Protection Association released resources to help the public and emergency responders deal with hte fallout of Hurricane Helene and other storms.
Fire Rescue 1 (9/23/2024)
After-action reviews are a helpful tool for organizations to review what they did right and wrong during their latest fireground performance.
TEXAS STATE NEWSKTEN (9/30/2024)
The Honey Grove Fire Department added its third ambulance to serve the Fannin County area.
FOX 7 (9/29/2024)
The City of Austin reopened Fire Station 22 and EMS Station 12 after rennovations that includes a training area for firefighters to run drills while not out on calls.
TCFP UPDATESThe Texas Commission on Fire Protection respectfully submits for consideration its FY2026-27 Legislative Appropriations Request and seven exceptional items, which total $1,651,577.61 in increased appropriations. The commission is fully committed to careful and prudent stewardship of the funds provided for its operations and adheres to the statewide philosophy that all agencies are to be efficient and accountable. The commission has prepared its LAR in accordance with the instructions issued by the Governor’s Office and Legislative Budget Board.
TCFP offers “regional meetings” throughout the year in a variety of locations around the state. These meetings are opportunities for members of nearby fire departments and other regulated entities to meet some of our staff in person. We want to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and give timely updates related to commission news. In addition, through a partnership with TEEX, CE will be awarded for your attendance at these meetings. For a list of all upcoming meeting dates, visit the Regional Meetings webpage. TML NEWSRick Randall Upcoming Training October 15 October 16 November 19-20 December 10-11
TEEX NEWS
FIRE LAW BLOG
In this episode of Fire Law Roundup for September 30, 2024, Brad and Curt discuss a decision reversing punishment for a Muncie fire captain at the center of an alleged cheating scandal; the FDNY connection to the indictment of the sitting mayor of New York, Eric Adams; not-guilty verdicts in favor of two Ottawa firefighters accused of assault and a coverup arising out of a firehouse scuffle; a gender discrimination lawsuit brought by a former lieutenant in Florida; and a challenge to the ability of the New York State Department of Health to impose discipline without providing an accused with a jury trial.
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