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HB 1306

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

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by César Blanco and 3 co-sponsors

HB 1306 expands workers' compensation and benefits eligibility for Texas death investigation professionals exposed to occupational hazards, effective September 2025.

Effective on 9/1/25
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Bill Summary · HB 1306

Legislative bill overview

HB 1306 establishes new legal protections and compensation mechanisms for death investigation professionals in Texas, likely expanding their eligibility for workers' compensation benefits or creating new claims procedures for work-related injuries or illnesses contracted during death investigations. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after bipartisan sponsorship and gubernatorial approval.

Why is this important

Death investigation professionals (medical examiners, coroners, and associated staff) face occupational hazards including exposure to infectious diseases, bloodborne pathogens, and other biohazards. This legislation acknowledges these workplace risks and ensures affected professionals have clearer pathways to obtain benefits or compensation when harmed, which may improve worker protections and recruitment/retention in these critical public health roles.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Expanded compensation claims could increase costs for counties or the state, potentially straining budgets for local medical examiner offices
  • Presumptive eligibility vs. proof of causation: The bill may create presumptions that certain illnesses are work-related, which employers might argue goes too far without individual case evidence
  • Scope of covered professionals: Questions about which roles qualify (full-time vs. part-time, contract workers, etc.) and whether coverage is sufficiently inclusive or overly broad

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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