SB 2745

relating to a cost-of-living increase applicable to death benefits
paid to spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty under
the workers' compensation system.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 408.181(b), Labor Code, is amended to
(b)  Subject to Section 408.061 and except as provided by
Section 408.1811, the amount of a death benefit is equal to 75
percent of the employee's average weekly wage.
SECTION 2.  Subchapter J, Chapter 408, Labor Code, is
amended by adding Section 408.1811 to read as follows:
Sec. 408.1811.  AMOUNT OF DEATH BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE
SPOUSES OF CERTAIN FIRST RESPONDERS.  (a) Notwithstanding Section
408.061, the amount of a death benefit paid to an eligible spouse of
a first responder described by Section 408.183(b-1) is increased to
include a three percent cost of living adjustment in accordance
with Subsection (b) each calendar year.
(b)  Not later than January 1 of each year, an insurance
carrier shall recompute the amount of a death benefit to be paid
under this section by applying the three percent adjustment to the
amount otherwise required to be paid under Section 408.181.
SECTION 3.  The change in law made by this Act applies only
to a death benefit payment made on or after January 1, 2026.
SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.