The Bishop Evans Act Passes House and Senate
House Bill 90, also known as The Bishop Evans Act, has successfully passed in both the House and the Senate. The Bishop Evans Act focuses on providing essential benefits and care to injured members of the Texas National Guard and the surviving beneficiaries of brave soldiers who died in the course of active duty. The bill’s unanimous support in the Texas Senate signifies the importance and urgency of this legislation.
The Bishop Evans Act establishes a lump sum death benefit for fallen service members’ families and emphasizes comprehensive treatment for injuries, including bodily injuries and PTSD. The intent of The Bishop Evans Act is to provide crucial support to Texans affected by sacrifices made in the line of duty.
House Bill 90 acknowledges the sacrifice and commitment of Texas National Guard service members participating in state missions such as Operation Lone Star. This legislation ensures that soldiers’ families receive a guaranteed death benefit of $500,000, so their Texas military benefits fall in line with those offered to law enforcement officers engaged in the same border security missions.
The inspiration behind this legislation stems from the tragic loss of Bishop Evans, a 22-year-old soldier who bravely gave his life while rescuing migrants from the waters of the Rio Grande. In recognition of his heroic actions, Evans was posthumously promoted to sergeant and honored with the Lone Star Medal of Valor at his funeral. His sacrifice highlighted the imperative need to take care of families who endure such losses.
The successful passage of The Bishop Evans Act in both the House and the Senate marks the fulfillment of longstanding efforts by the state’s military leaders to provide death benefits for National Guard troops on state active-duty missions. The bill will now proceed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for his consideration. Given the governor’s commitment to supporting the military and the unanimous support for the bill, it is highly anticipated that the Governor will sign The Bishop Evans Act into law.
