Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
Political subdivisions with 50 or more firefighters or peace officers face a new, strict financial liability: a mandatory supplemental benefit of up to $100,000 or continued "comparable" health coverage for retirees diagnosed with cancer, heart attack, or stroke. This mandate applies to all retirements occurring on or after January 1, 2026, requiring immediate actuarial assessment and reserve allocation to cover this three-year post-retirement risk window.
Rep. Chris Turner·House Bill·Regular Session
Political Subdivisions (Self-enforcement/Civil Liability) • Texas Department of Insurance (Division of Workers' Compensation)
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Significant regulatory changes (effective 2025-06-20). Review with your legal and compliance teams to understand implications.
Affected business types:
Affected business types:
highSignificant operational investment may be required.
JD Key Consulting provides government affairs and regulatory strategy services. We help businesses navigate Texas agencies, understand legislative impacts, and advocate for their interests.
JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about HB4144
Political subdivisions with 50 or more firefighters or peace officers face a new, strict financial liability: a mandatory supplemental benefit of up to $100,000 or continued "comparable" health coverage for retirees diagnosed with cancer, heart attack, or stroke. This mandate applies to all retirements occurring on or after January 1, 2026, requiring immediate actuarial assessment and reserve allocation to cover this three-year post-retirement risk window.
HB4144 was authored by Texas Representative Chris Turner during the Regular Session.
HB4144 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025.
HB4144 is enforced by Political Subdivisions (Self-enforcement/Civil Liability) and Texas Department of Insurance (Division of Workers' Compensation).
The regulatory priority for HB4144 is rated as "critical". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of HB4144 is estimated as "high". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
HB4144 addresses topics including fire fighters & police, fire fighters & police--general, health, health--other diseases & medical conditions and labor.
Key dates for HB4144: Effective date is 2025-06-20. Rulemaking: Adjust the $100,000 maximum benefit cap based on the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for the preceding 10 years. (September 1 (Recurring every year ending in 5)). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
HB4144 primarily affects healthcare providers and medical facilities, employers and workforce development organizations, insurance companies and financial institutions. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
