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SB 502 would elevate OIG commissioned peace officers’ pay and benefits; committee to take public testimony
Summary
Senate Bill 502 would allow HHSC Office of Inspector General commissioned peace officers to receive salaries and benefits comparable to other state law‑enforcement agencies; the committee left the bill pending for public testimony.
Senate Bill 502 was presented to the committee to address recruitment and retention challenges for commissioned peace officers employed by the HHSC Office of Inspector General (OIG).
Sponsor remarks (Senator Perry) said OIG currently employs 37 commissioned peace officers — many assigned to the State Centers Investigative Team — who investigate abuse, neglect and exploitation at state hospitals and state‑supported living centers, along with other OIG investigative functions such as SNAP fraud enforcement. The sponsor said OIG commissioned officers are paid roughly 42% less than comparable Schedule C positions and the bill would allow OIG officers comparable salaries and eligibility for hazard pay and injury leave similar to other state law‑enforcement agencies.
The sponsor framed the measure as an equity and public‑safety step to ensure officers with badges and firearms receive appropriate compensation and benefits. No invited witnesses were called during the layout; the committee left SB 502 pending for public testimony later in the hearing.
