TX HB1654

Prohibits governmental employers from discharging, indefinitely suspending, or terminating peace officers, detention officers, county jailers, or firefighters who sustain compensable work injuries before they reach maximum medical improvement, unless a treating doctor certifies they are permanently restricted from returning to duty

Exempts municipalities that have adopted civil service provisions under Chapter 143, Local Government Code, and counties with civil service systems under Chapter 158, Local Government Code

Allows affected employees to sue their governmental employer for reasonable damages up to $100,000 and reinstatement to their former position, with sovereign immunity waived for these claims

Places the burden of proof on the injured employee in any proceeding challenging a termination under this law

Disputes regarding an injured employee's ability to perform job duties must be adjudicated through the workers' compensation dispute resolution process under Chapter 410, Labor Code

Takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies only to terminations occurring on or after that date