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Council discusses state law extending pay protections for first responders; public commenters raise EDC ethics concerns
Summary
Council debated how to implement a state law requiring municipalities to supplement workers' compensation pay for first responders and agreed to draft an ordinance; public commenters accused EDC members of conflicts of interest and criticized frequent executive sessions.
At the Nov. 18 meeting councilmembers discussed a state law (referred to in the meeting as House Bill 471 / 'Texas Hospital 471') that requires municipalities to make first responders whole when workers’ compensation pays a portion of lost income. Staff said an ordinance must be drafted to align town policy with the state requirement.
Chief Burnside explained that under the statute municipalities must cover the approximately 30% of lost income that workers’ compensation typically does not cover so employees need not use leave. Council members and the city…
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