PRESS RELEASE: TSTA BOARD APPROVES LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2024
(512) 970-9944
TSTA BOARD APPROVES LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
(Round Rock, TX) - The Texas State Trooper Association (TSTA) Board of Directors recently met and voted to approve the organization's Legislative Priorities for the 89th Session of the Texas Legislature that starts in January 2025.
TSTA redoubled its commitment to fight for improved lives and working conditions for the Texas Department of Public Safety’s employees and commissioned officers, both active and retired.
After considering input from its members, TSTA is again prioritizing the passage of legislation that would provide a 13th Check or a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to retirees – something that the Legislature has not done since 2001.
TSTA will also promote legislation to eliminate practices that create unnecessary barriers to hiring, in order to bolster the number of DPS employees and state troopers.
Other priorities concerning recruitment and retention include promoting legislation to increase salaries and benefits for all DPS employees and increase stipend pay for all DPS commissioned officers.
TSTA will promote legislation to provide state troopers with the best equipment, including anti-choking, life-saving gear, such as LifeVac or other similar equipment.
Additionally, TSTA will promote legislation that would increase the number of “tactical villages” across the state that train officers in how to best respond to challenges like active shooter, hostage, and terrorist situations.
Finally, TSTA will promote legislation to more easily facilitate the hiring of out-of-state commissioned officers who desire to move into Texas and become state troopers.
"Our members' priorities are our priorities, and we are already working tirelessly on their behalf in the halls of the Capitol," said Rohnnie Shaw, Executive Director of Texas State Troopers Association.
The announcement of the legislative agenda comes in the midst of a series of organizational updates, including a full brand refresh and the opening of membership to non-commissioned employees of DPS. TSTA is offering new members one year of free membership if they sign up before October 1.
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ABOUT TSTA
The Texas State Troopers Association was established in 1984. TSTA strives to improve the standards and conditions of employment, training, safety, retirement benefits, and education for its members and all Texas DPS commissioned officers, non-commissioned employees, and retirees through legislative advocacy and legal representation. In doing this, TSTA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for law enforcement all over Texas.
For a limited time, new members receive their first year of membership 100% free by signing up online before October 1.
For more information, visit texasstatetroopers.org.
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