Governor Signs Legislation Aimed at Aiding First Responders

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed into law at least 13 workers’ compensation measures, including four aimed at helping first responders, and five bills authored by Democrats. House Bill 1794, written by Rep. Cecil Bell, R-Magnolia, requires the Health and Human Services Commission by no later than Dec. 1 to create the Work Group on Mental Health Access for First Responders. The group would consist of 15 members appointed by the HHSC commissioner and would represent mental health professionals, volunteer and paid fire departments, academia, law enforcement, emergency medical personnel, ...