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TX HB5644
Bill
Status
3/14/2025
Primary Sponsor
Mihaela Plesa
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AI Summary
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Establishes the Mass Violence Care Fund as a permanent, non-reverting fund within the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund, administered by the Texas Attorney General, to cover unreimbursed medical expenses for past, current, and future mass violence victims
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Defines "mass violence event" as an intentional criminal act causing physical injury to three or more individuals (excluding the perpetrator) in a public space within close geographical proximity
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Expands victim eligibility to include those physically present during an event who suffered physical, emotional, or psychological injury, as well as family members (spouse, child, parent, sibling, legal guardian, caretaker) of those injured or killed
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Requires the Texas Comptroller to invest the fund's principal under the Public Funds Investment Act, with only investment earnings (not principal) available for victim reimbursement; eligibility for out-of-pocket expense reimbursement begins two years after the mass violence event
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Creates a Mass Violence Care Fund Advisory Board appointed by the Governor with representatives from victim services organizations, DPS, and Health and Human Services Commission; requires annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature on disbursements, claims processed, and sustainability recommendations
Legislative Description
Relating to a Mass Violence Care Fund to assist victims of mass violence with unreimbursed medical expenses.
State Finances
Last Action
Referred to Criminal Jurisprudence
4/7/2025